SCO Approves Draft Strategy for Energy Cooperation in Astana Meeting
Key Ideas
- The Shanghai Cooperation Organization energy ministers approved a Draft Strategy for Energy Cooperation up to 2030, focusing on diverse export routes, modernizing energy sources, and enhancing energy efficiency.
- Tajikistan is rejoining the Central Asian unified power grid, supported by a US$35 million grant from the Asian Development Bank to improve regional energy trade and efficiency.
- The implementation of a Memorandum of Understanding among Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan aims to unify their energy systems, promote green energy production, and facilitate energy export to Europe.
- The restoration of Tajikistan's electricity system to operate in parallel with the Central Asian unified power grid is expected to eliminate electricity shortages in the region and improve energy market dynamics.
The SCO energy ministers meeting in Astana approved a Draft Strategy for Energy Cooperation until 2030, outlining key areas like energy resource transit, industry balance, and renewable energy utilization, including hydrogen energy. Tajikistan plans to reconnect to the Central Asian unified power grid, supported by an Asian Development Bank grant. The regional power grid linking Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan faces challenges, with Tajikistan previously accused of unauthorized power usage. However, with new facilities in operation, Tajikistan now meets its electricity needs and aims to reintegrate with the grid. Plans to include the Roghun hydroelectric power plant in the operation could revolutionize the regional power market. Additionally, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan signed an MoU for energy system unification, focusing on green energy production and export to Europe, further enhancing regional integration and renewable energy utilization.
Topics
Asia
Renewable Energy
Energy Cooperation
Central Asia
SCO
Regional Power Grid
Regional Integration
Asian Development Bank
Electricity Trade
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