Context
The make-up of Central Asia is threatened by uneven economic development, aging infrastructure and associated legacy as well as mutual dependencies, regional and international geopolitics, new nations with emerging forms of sovereignty, weak institutional systems and weak mechanisms to implement transboundary cooperation, and bilateral political conflicts. With the collapse of the Soviet system of cross-border resource management, cooperation has disintegrated, compromising energy reliability, energy costs, water security and interstate cooperation. Energy is a crucial area for the economic growth of the countries of Central Asia . A more secure and efficient energy supply, distribution and pricing policy are essential features for the sustainable economic and social development of the region. Lack of energy exacerbates the situation of poor and disadvantaged sections of the population in some Central Asian countries. Energy problems can also contribute to an escalation of tensions between countries in the region, can undermine stability and involve direct security risks. There are continuing disagreements between CA countries over water regulation in the context of hydro-electric power and agricultural production, and concerns in relation to the ecological impact of dams.
Objective
The overall objective is to contribute to the increased security, reliability and efficiency of energy supplies in the Central Asian countries and thereby to improve the preconditions for regional integration of efficient and sustainable energy systems and increased cooperation with EU countries. The purpose of the project is to assist in the set-up of the necessary policy, regulatory and institutional mechanisms enabling the penetration of renewable energy sources in the energy mix of the beneficiary countries as well as increasing the energy efficiency at national level (as measured by the energy intensity of the national economies), notably through the introduction of new, efficient and ecologically safe power plants enabled by the development of renewable energy sources for electricity generation in accordance with each country priorities.
To achieve those results the program is designed into 4 components:
Component 1: Support to policy design and formulation towards the introduction of energy efficiency and renewable energy sources (EE & RES) at national and regional levels
Component 2: Professional development of local partners in EE & RES policies and instruments
Component 3: Ensure the implementation of sustainable pilot projects in the fields of EE & RES
Component 4: Awareness-raising on EE & RES In moving forward, building blocks to establish conditions for increased cooperation include (i) a stronger focus on investments in renewable energies and energy efficiency to strengthen energy security at the national level; while (ii) building capacity for cooperation is needed, both on the national and on the regional level.