Central Asia"s Untapped Potential Key to Global Energy Transition - Korea Energy Agency

"Central Asia has a unique set of complementary energy resources, which makes it possible to leverage the benefits of cross-border cooperation in renewable energy, bringing multifaceted benefits to the participating countries."

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During a high-level panel discussion on regional cooperation to boost investment and financing for Central Asia's energy transition, Sanghoon Lee, president of the Korea Energy Agency, emphasized that the region possesses vast untapped renewable energy potential that could significantly contribute to the global energy transition, The Caspian Post reports citing local media.

"Last year, we witnessed a 50 percent growth in global renewable energy capacity compared to 2022. However, this growth was mainly concentrated in developed countries and China. Central Asia has a unique set of complementary energy resources, which makes it possible to leverage the benefits of cross-border cooperation in renewable energy, bringing multifaceted benefits to the participating countries,” he said.

He noted cross-border energy trade, which allows countries to increase savings by expanding the consumer base and optimizing the use of energy resources across borders. In addition, large-scale cross-border projects tend to attract international investors who provide financial resources for infrastructure development. Servicing such projects and introducing new technologies creates jobs and stimulates local economies.

“Second, integration across interconnected and larger geographical areas provides a diversified energy mix and a more stable energy supply from renewable sources. Renewable energy trading helps reduce carbon emissions, supporting each country's climate commitments," he noted.

Sanghoon Lee added that in terms of energy security, interconnected energy systems offer a more diversified and sustainable energy supply. Trading renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and hydro across borders reduces dependence on a single energy source or region.