Another expert meeting of the regional analysis platform CABAR.asia discussed energy-saving problems in Central Asian countries.
In recent years, electricity shortages have become increasingly prevalent in Central Asian countries. This issue is particularly pronounced during the winter months. Residents have expressed concerns regarding power outages, while energy companies have attributed this shortage to excessive consumption and are seeking alternative energy sources to meet the needs of these countries. This, in turn, has resulted in a range of additional problems, including environmental degradation.
During the expert meeting, specialists from four countries of the region (with the exception of Turkmenistan) engaged in discourse on several issues of particular importance, including:
- Which issues are most salient in terms of energy saving in Central Asian countries?
- To what extent are the citizens of the region conscious of the necessity to conserve energy?
- What is the best way to educate the population in energy conservation?
- What measures are being implemented by public services and private individuals to alleviate the strain on the energy system?
- What measures can be taken first of all for energy efficiency without causing harm to the environment?
Kazakhstan was represented by Dmitry Kalmykov, Development Director of the public association ‘Karaganda Regional Ecological Museum’. The museum is fully dedicated to environmental problems and actively works to improve the environmental situation in Kazakhstan.
From Kyrgyzstan, the meeting was attended by Zhenebek Klumbetov, an energy engineer, energy efficiency specialist, and consultant for Unison Group, an alliance committed to sustainable development and energy at the national and regional levels.
From Tajikistan, we were joined by Natalia Idrisova, an environmental activist and consultant on environmental education, energy efficiency, and climate change. With over a decade of experience in environmental protection, Idrisova was recognized as one of the BBC’s 100 Inspirational Women in 2023.
Uzbekistan was represented by Nargis Qosimova, ecologist, professor, doctor of philological sciences, head of the public association ‘Ecolog’ and founder of the website Ecologist.uz.
In the context of global climate change, Central Asian countries are facing serious challenges, ranging from water and electricity shortages to ecosystem destruction.
The meeting’s agenda focused on identifying strategies to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of energy systems.
In recent years, Central Asian countries have faced a series of major power system failures, particularly during the coldest or hottest periods of the year. These failures have left people without access to heating or cooling services.
Experts noted that the energy sector infrastructure in Central Asian countries is largely a legacy of the Soviet Union. Over 90 per cent of the infrastructure remains operational from that era.
The primary challenges persist—outdated power generation. While age alone isn’t a significant issue, the absence of substantial investments in modernizing and maintaining these facilities has resulted in their obsolescence.
In Kazakhstan, as Dmitry Kalmykov reported, the situation with power grids is slightly better. They have been regularly reconstructed and modernized. However, due to the country’s vast size and historical legacy, Kazakhstan lacks a unified energy system. The central, southern, and northern regions are connected, but the western part remains isolated. This isolation poses challenges for energy security and stability, hindering the introduction of renewable energy sources.
Experts emphasized that environmental issues persist as a significant challenge in providing electricity to the population across the region. For instance, Kazakhstan relies heavily on coal for electricity generation, accounting for nearly 70 per cent of its electricity production.
The situation is quite similar in other countries within the region. While Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan primarily rely on hydropower plants for their electricity generation, especially during the winter months, the countries, especially in winter, run large coal-fired TPPs. This practice poses substantial environmental challenges, resulting in significant greenhouse gas emissions.
Kazakhstan has one of the highest levels of pollution in the world. The average per capita emissions are approximately 14-15 tonnes per year, which is significantly higher than the world average.
All experts emphasized that despite numerous measures taken to enhance the situation and address the concerns of environmentalists, energy conservation remains a low priority in the region. This situation demands immediate attention and change.
Experts emphasized the need for a significant modernization of the energy system, transitioning to renewable energy sources, and reducing coal dependence. These measures would not only enhance the environmental situation but also bolster the nation’s energy security.
Watch the expert meeting in full here.