European Union’s new 6.8 million euros project to boost sustainable energy in Central Asia

The European Union has launched a new project “Sustainable Energy Connectivity in Central Asia” (SECCA) ahead of the EU-Central Asia Connectivity Conference “Global Gateway for Sustainable Development”  which opened on Thursday (18 November) in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. National energy authorities and experts from the Central Asian countries (CA) and representatives of the EU attended the launch event.

The SECCA project, with a total budget of 6.8 million euros, aims to promote a more sustainable energy balance in CA in accordance with EU best practices. 

In particular, SECCA seeks to strengthen national policies of transition to a sustainable energy system, and increase investment, capacity and awareness in renewable energy and energy efficiency in the region. Recent developments indicate positive signs of a possible sustainable energy connectivity in CA. It is expected that as a result of economic growth and population growth in the region, the demand for electricity will increase. To meet this demand, significant investments, market reforms and capacity development will be required.

Moreover, the SECCA project will mainstream gender by supporting gender-inclusive policies and legislation both for energy efficiency and renewable energy and promoting the role of women in the sector. 

During the roundtable to present the project, experts presented the objectives of SECCA, the planned activities and the expected results. The participants discussed the current status and challenges in the sustainable energy sector and cooperation between the EU and CA.

source: commonspace.eu with the European External Action Service

Related articles

Editor's choice
News
Aden under curfew, as problem in Yemen's south deepens

Aden under curfew, as problem in Yemen's south deepens

The port city of Aden, in Yemen's south, has been put under curfew, as the rift in the country between  the Saudi led coalition which  backs Yemen's presidential governing council, and the southern forces led by the Southern Transitional Council (STC), deepens. Abdul Rahman al-Mahrami, a member of the Yemeni Presidential Governing Council and commander of the al-Amalik brigades, has ordered a curfew in the temporary capital, Aden, "to maintain security". "A curfew has been imposed throughout Aden Governorate from 9:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., in accordance with the instructions of Commander Abdul Rahman al-Mahrami, a member of the Presidential Management Council," the statement said. It states that only security and military personnel, as well as medical and technical teams with approved permits, will be allowed to move in the area during these hours. Yemen's presidential council, which is backed by Saudi Arabia and which already is in a struggle with the Houthi Movement in the north of the country who also occupy the capital Sanaa, two days ago issued an order for the arrest of the head of the Southern Transitional Council (STC),, Aidarous al Zubaidi. The STC have wide support among people in the South, and advocate that South Yemen restores its independence. The coalition warned of further escalation in Aden, long regarded as an STC stronghold, as the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) chief accused STC leader Aidarous Al Zubaidi of “high treason” and announced the revocation of his membership in the governing body. The moves mark a sharp escalation in tensions within the anti-Houthi camp, despite National Shield Forces, rivals of the STC and former allies, having recently retaken control of Hadhramaut and Mahra from southern fighters. The STC’s takeover of the two regions last month angered Saudi Arabia and contributed to igniting the current internal conflict. (click the picture to read more)

Popular

Editor's choice
Analysis
Analysis: Why what happens in Greenland matters

Analysis: Why what happens in Greenland matters

The snap elections for the parliament of Greenland last Tuesday (6 April 2021) attracted unusual interest from major powers who have been watching the political and economic impact of the election results on their interests in the Arctic region. Among them, the Chinese, who have invested in the Kvanefjeld mine on the island. Maximiliaan van Lange analyses the background to the recent Greenlandic general elections, and the Island's geostrategic position in the Arctic in this article for commonspace.eu.