Green Future - The Times Of Central Asia

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Central Asia’s Green Energy Dream: Too Big to Achieve?

Although most Central Asian nations are heavily dependent on fossil fuel production and exports, they are aiming to significantly increase the use of renewable energy, hoping to eventually become crucial suppliers of so-called green electricity to Europe. Achieving such an ambitious goal will be easier said than done, given that developing the green energy sector in the region requires massive investment. What Central Asian states – struggling to attract long-term private capital into clean energy projects – need is financing for projects that modernize power networks, improve grid stability, and enable cross-border electricity flows. These upgrades are essential for large-scale renewable energy deployment and regional trade in power. Most actors in Central Asia seem to have taken major steps in this direction. In November 2024, at the COP29 climate conference held in Baku, Kazakhstan signed several deals worth nearly $3.7 billion with international companies and development institutions to support green energy projects. Neighboring Uzbekistan, according to reports, has attracted more than €22 billion ($23.9) in foreign investment in renewable energy, while Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan – which is aiming to generate all its electricity from green energy sources by 2032 – have developed strategies to help increase their renewable potential. But to turn their goals into reality, all these nations will need funding – whether from oil-rich Middle Eastern countries, China, the European Union, or various international financial institutions. Presently, the development of the Caspian Green Energy Corridor – which aims to supply green electricity from Central Asia to Azerbaijan and further to Europe – remains the region’s most ambitious project. According to Yevgeniy Zhukov, the Asian Development Bank's (ADB) Director General for Central and West Asia, this initiative is a strategic priority for Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Azerbaijan. “While the prospect of exporting green electricity to Europe is part of the long-term vision, the core goal of the initiative is to accelerate green growth within the region,” Zhukov told The Times of Central Asia. Together with the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, the ADB is funding a feasibility study for this proposed transmission corridor. The study will assess the technical and economic viability of such a system, along with the environmental and regulatory requirements. In the meantime, the ABD is expected to continue funding other green energy projects in the region. The financial entity, according to Zhukov, invested $250 million in Uzbekistan in 2023 to support renewable energy development and comprehensive power sector reforms, while in other Central Asian countries, it remains “firmly committed to driving the green energy transition.” “For instance, in Tajikistan we are exploring the potential to co-finance the Rogun Hydropower Project alongside the World Bank and other international partners. In Kyrgyzstan, our focus has been on supporting foundational reforms in the energy sector, including strengthening the policy and regulatory environment to attract private investment in renewables. In Turkmenistan, we’ve launched a total of $1.75 million technical assistance initiative to help lay the groundwork for future renewable energy development,” Zhukov stressed, pointing out that these efforts are part...

Ecology Green Future Government Environment

Uzbekistan Launches Eco-Friendly Program to Reward Green Lifestyles

Uzbekistan has introduced a new initiative to promote eco-friendly habits. A presidential decree has been adopted as part of the state program for implementing the 'Uzbekistan 2030' strategy during the country's 'Year of Environmental Protection and Green Economy'. The nationwide movement, One Million Green Families, aims to encourage sustainable living and raise environmental awareness. The program seeks to integrate eco-friendly habits into daily life through advocacy efforts and incentives. The initiative is based on several key principles: Promoting a healthy lifestyle through better nutrition, daily walks, and jogging Encouraging the use of green transportation, such as bicycles Reducing plastic waste Preventing food waste Using water, gas, and electricity more efficiently Sorting waste for recycling To support this initiative, the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change, along with the Ministry of Digital Technologies, will launch a digital platform in June. This platform will track participation and offer incentives to those who actively adopt eco-friendly practices. Citizens who demonstrate outstanding commitment to sustainable living will earn the title of "Eco-Active Citizen". Benefits include a 10% discount on public services and lower interest rates on consumer loans from state-owned banks. Families in which all adults achieve this status will be recognized as Green Families, and will have a chance to win one of 14 electric cars awarded annually through an open competition. The initiative also extends to local communities. Mahallas (neighborhoods) where at least half of the residents qualify as Green Families will compete in the Cleanest Mahalla and Greenest Mahalla contests. Winning communities will receive 500 million UZS ($38,500) to fund local infrastructure improvements, such as road repairs, energy-efficient lighting, playgrounds, green spaces, and waste management upgrades.

ecosystem Tree planting Aral Sea Ecology Green Future

Kazakhstan Continues Afforestation Efforts on the Aral Sea

Kazakhstan is pressing ahead with a large-scale afforestation project aimed at restoring the ecosystem on the dried bed of the Aral Sea. The initiative brings together KATCO - a joint venture between the French state-owned company Orano and Kazakhstan’s national atomic company Kazatomprom - and other state and private entities to create artificial forests, combat land degradation, and improve environmental conditions in the Aral region. The Decline of the Aral Sea Once the world’s fourth-largest inland body of water, the Aral Sea spanned 68,000 square kilometers, straddling Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. However, starting in the 1960s, extensive water diversion from its feeder rivers - the Amu Darya and Syr Darya - for cotton irrigation caused the sea to dry up rapidly. By 2007, the Aral had shrunk to just 10% of its original size. The environmental fallout has been catastrophic. Over 100 million tons of salt, sand, and dust are carried annually by winds from the exposed seabed, damaging nearby ecosystems and posing significant health risks to residents of the surrounding areas. Progress in Afforestation According to Kazakhstan's Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, significant strides have been made in afforestation efforts. Between December 16 and 30, 2024, sowing was completed on 12,000 hectares of the former seabed. Efforts are continuing, with plans to sow seeds across 108,000 hectares in January and February 2025. By March 2025, an additional 16,492 hectares will be planted with saxaul shrubs, a hardy plant well-suited to the region’s arid conditions. The ultimate goal is to plant saxaul shrubs on 1.1 million hectares of the dried-up Aral Seabed. Between 2021 and 2024, afforestation was completed on 475,000 hectares, including 127,000 hectares in 2024 alone. For 2025, Kazakhstan plans to plant saxaul on an ambitious 428,000 hectares. Nationwide Tree-Planting Initiative Kazakhstan’s efforts to restore the Aral Sea ecosystem are part of a broader national afforestation program. The country aims to plant 2 billion trees by 2027. From 2021 to 2024, 1.1 billion seedlings were planted over a total of 736,800 hectares, including 306 million seedlings planted in 2024 on 205,200 hectares. For 2025, the goal is to plant 336.5 million seedlings across 494,000 hectares. Beyond rural afforestation, 15 million trees are planned for urban and village areas, with more than 12 million already planted between 2021 and 2024. A Step Toward Environmental Recovery Kazakhstan’s afforestation efforts represent a critical step toward mitigating the environmental damage caused by the desiccation of the Aral Sea. By stabilizing the exposed seabed with saxaul shrubs and increasing tree cover nationwide, the country aims to reduce airborne pollutants, improve regional biodiversity, and enhance the quality of life for affected communities. The project is not only an environmental undertaking but also a testament to Kazakhstan's commitment to sustainable development and ecological restoration on a massive scale.

Green Transition Global Diplomacy Global integration UAE Green Future Sustainable Development Regional Cooperation

Mirziyoyev: Central Asia Can Become a Global Green Energy Hub

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan delivered a keynote address at the Sustainability Week Summit in Abu Dhabi on January 14. The event, hosted by UAE President Sheikh Mohammed Al Nahyan, gathered global leaders, including the presidents of Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, the prime ministers of Italy, Malaysia, and Finland, as well as heads of international organizations and financial institutions. The Urgency of Transitioning to a Green Economy In his speech, Mirziyoyev emphasized the critical need for a green economic transition, stating: “The diversification of energy sources and a drastic reduction of hydrocarbons are now critical conditions for mitigating climate change and ensuring global security.” Mirziyoyev noted that Uzbekistan has declared 2025 as the “Year of Environmental Protection and Green Economy.” The country’s strategic goal, under the "New Uzbekistan" framework, is to achieve sustainable economic growth through environmental sustainability and resource conservation. Low-Carbon Development Goals Outlining Uzbekistan’s low-carbon development strategy, Mirziyoyev announced plans to integrate green finance into 50% of investment projects over the next five years; reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 35% by 2030; "Green" at least 30% of urban areas; and ensure that 100% of agricultural lands adopt water-saving technologies. Mirziyoyev also highlighted Uzbekistan’s achievements in renewable energy, stating: “In the past five years, we have attracted almost $20 billion in foreign investments, commissioning modern energy capacities of 9.6 gigawatts. This includes 14 solar and wind power plants with a total capacity of 3.5 gigawatts.” Uzbekistan is currently collaborating with foreign partners on over 50 major energy projects worth $26 billion, aiming to reach a total energy capacity of 24 gigawatts by 2030. By that time, renewable energy is expected to account for 54% of the country’s total energy generation. Regional Collaboration and Global Ambitions Mirziyoyev underscored the importance of regional cooperation, saying: “We aim to turn Central Asia into one of the global centers for green economy and clean energy.” He highlighted a multilateral agreement with Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan to export green energy to Europe and restore the Great Silk Road through energy connectivity. The president shared success stories of partnerships with companies like Masdar, which have generated 1.5 gigawatts of renewable energy in Uzbekistan. Additional projects are underway to create 1.6 gigawatts of generating capacity and build energy storage systems with a capacity of about 520 megawatts per hour. He also noted Uzbekistan’s untapped renewable energy potential, citing the ability to produce 500 gigawatts of solar, 100 gigawatts of wind, and 10 gigawatts of hydro energy. Advancing Green Research and Innovation Mirziyoyev referenced the establishment of the Green University in Tashkent - which will serve as a hub for global scientific collaboration - and proposed creating an international research network focused on combating land degradation and desertification. He also reiterated Uzbekistan’s initiatives introduced at COP-28 and COP-29, including the creation of an International Center for Damage and Loss Assessment and a regional hub for water-saving technologies. “We are ready to begin practical work in these areas with all our partners,” he stated. A Nationwide Green Movement Concluding his address,...

Funding green projects Ecology Green Future Environmental Awareness Environment

Uzbekistan to Launch “Eco-Active Citizen” Project for a Greener Future

The Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change of Uzbekistan, in collaboration with the Ministry of Digital Technologies, has announced plans to launch the “Eco-Active Citizen” project by June 1, 2025. This initiative is part of the nationwide “One Million Green Families” movement and integrates with the “Healthy Lifestyle” platform. It is outlined in the draft Presidential Decree “On the State Program for the Implementation of the Strategy ‘Uzbekistan – 2030,’” which places significant emphasis on environmental protection and fostering a “green economy.” The project seeks to promote an ecological lifestyle and enhance environmental awareness among the population. Citizens will be encouraged to take actions such as planting trees, using public transportation, walking 10,000 steps daily, reducing waste, and transitioning to electric vehicles. Additional recommended measures include installing solar panels, utilizing energy-saving materials, and conserving electricity, gas, and water. Active participation in public environmental activities will also be key. Participants in the “Eco-Active Citizen” program will qualify for public service discounts, lower interest rates on consumer loans, and may even receive environmentally friendly vehicles such as bicycles or scooters. Families in which all members achieve “eco-active” status will be recognized as “Green Families” and will have the opportunity to participate in an annual lottery to win an electric car. Neighborhoods (mahallas) with over 50% of households classified as “Green Families” will earn the title of “Green Neighborhoods” and will receive additional environmental benefits, such as designated waste collection sites, tree planting initiatives, and green public parks. Cities or villages with more than 50% “Green Neighborhoods” will be officially recognized as “Green Cities,” “Green Villages,” or “Green Auls” (fortified villages). The Ministry of Ecology underscored the environmental impact of individual actions. For instance, one car emits an estimated 4.6 tons of carbon dioxide annually, whilst walking 10,000 steps per day can prevent up to 1.5 tons of waste. Additionally, conserving 100 cubic meters of natural gas can prevent 2 tons of carbon dioxide emissions. These efforts aim to establish sustainable “green cities” while promoting environmentally responsible tourism. In a related development, The Times of Central Asia previously reported that Uzbekistan is preparing a draft national program to reduce plastic pollution for 2025-2027.

Energy EU Cooperation Green Future Energy Security

Central Asia’s Role in Europe’s Energy Future: Insights from Samuel Doveri Vesterbye

The Times of Central Asia sat down with Samuel Doveri Vesterbye, Director of European Neighbourhood Council, a research organization funded by the EU and by Member States, to discuss prospects for the further development of the EU's relations with Central Asia. TCA: How significant is Central Asia for Europe's energy diversification strategy, especially in light of the need to reduce dependency on Russian gas? Europe needs energy. Since the revolution in shale gas production and liquefied natural gas (LNG) transport, it’s clear that European energy has become more diversified, particularly since Russia’s war against Ukraine. Reliance on Russia has decreased, while importation of U.S., African and Asian LNG has increased. Pipeline gas from Azerbaijan and renewable energy are both important and rising sources of diversification. The problem is that Europe doesn’t only need energy; it needs inexpensive energy, preferably in terms of pipeline gas. This is why the Caspian region, home to some of the world’s largest natural gas reserves, is important. That’s one significant reason for Europe’s renewed interest in the region. TCA: What are the key energy projects connecting Central Asia to Europe, and what obstacles do they face in becoming viable alternatives? In 2022–2023, the EU and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) financed and conducted the biggest connectivity study about Central Asia to date. This study outlined the full capacity, potential, and challenges of trans-Caspian infrastructure and regulatory connectivity. It has become a key roadmap for all governments involved, as well as for the private sector and international investors in renewables, gas, transport, and other types of logistical infrastructure. In January and February 2024, the EU, together with international financial institutions, provided over €10 billion in low-interest loans and grants for the construction of energy and transport infrastructure cross-regionally. This amount represents over 50% of the investment needs estimated and outlined in the EBRD study. It is a strong indication of Europe’s political and financial dedication towards the region. TCA: How can Central Asian economies benefit from closer economic ties with Europe, particularly through energy trade? Central Asia has significantly increased its economic engagement with the European Union. In less than a decade, the EU has become Kazakhstan’s biggest trade partner in the world, ahead of China, Russia and the United States. Uzbekistan is taking a similar direction to Kazakhstan, and is about to sign an Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA) with Brussels covering energy, politics, security, trade, and natural resources among many other issue-areas. For Central Asia, its new relationship with the EU is strategically intelligent, as the region ceases to be only a part of so-called “Chinese transit trade”. TCA: What economic reforms are necessary in Central Asia to align with European standards and attract more investment in energy sectors? The relationship with the EU allows Central Asia to increase its trade and gain new technology as it also benefits from industrialization. Both Europe and Central Asia are full of small and medium-sized nations who are often under pressure from great...