OSCE Regional Seminar Boosts Green Energy Development in Central Asia

Photo: www.osce.org

At an OSCE-organized regional seminar held on 14-15 November 2024, representatives from the environmental and energy ministries of five Central Asian countries exchanged best practices for transitioning to green energy, The Caspian Post reports citing OSCE.

The seminar, hosted by the State Energy Institute of Turkmenistan, was held in a hybrid format, with students and professors of the Energy Institute attending in-person, while other participants and experts joined online.

The OSCE Centre in Ashgabat initiated the seminar to provide a platform for regional expert-level dialogue and to facilitate the exchange of best practices in integrating renewable energy sources into energy projects, promoting green technology development, and reducing carbon footprints.

In his message to the seminar participants, John MacGregor, Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat, referred to the 2013 Kyiv Ministerial Council Decision on “Improving the environmental footprint of energy-related activities in the OSCE region”, which stated that “the responsible and sustainable management of natural and energy resources can improve the environment, curb climate change, boost economic growth and contribute to security and stability.”

International and national experts explored challenges and opportunities related to the use of renewable energy sources (RES) in green energy production. Discussions focused on green hydrogen as a fuel of the future, the link between climate and green energy and the impact of hydrogen on the environment and climate.

“Expanding the use of green technologies, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and diversifying energy sources are essential for ensuring security and stability in Central Asia and across the OSCE region,” underscored MacGregor.

“I am convinced that this seminar will offer new perspectives in tackling emerging opportunities and challenges in the energy sector,” he added.  

The seminar also provided insights into solar thermal system and highlighted the green resource potential of solar energy. Participants exchanged views on autonomous houses as significant consumers of green energy.