QAZAQ GREEN.  The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) together with the Government of Japan in cooperation with the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the organising partners host the ‘Central Asia Investment Forum: Building bridges for sustainable growth’  in Tokyo, Japan.

The leading international experts spoke at the Forum, providing an overview of sectors with strong investment potential, ranging from trade to energy and infrastructure, and a focus on sustainability.  

Ainur Sospanova, Chairperson of the Board of the Qazaq Green RES Association, spoke on behalf of Kazakhstan in the forum's panel session "Transforming the Energy Sector - Clean Energy in Central Asia".

According to her, the countries of Central Asia are becoming more aware of the necessity and benefits of the transition to clean energy. By increasing the use of renewable energy sources, governments can meet climate goals and enhance energy security.

"Central Asian countries must join efforts to effectively use the huge renewable energy potential of Central Asia. Otherwise, it will be difficult to integrate renewable energy into the energy system," said Ainur Sospanova.

Organisers expect Central Asian economies to grow in 2023 and show resilience to geopolitical turmoil - creating opportunities for smart investors. To this end, we are bringing together government and business leaders to explore the region’s rich prospects for economic development.

The energy sector needs a long-term strategy to scale up renewable energy with clear targets and signals to investors, a supportive regulatory environment, cross-regional integration, and the adoption of greener technologies.

However, there are challenges in these areas, including, for example, the need to raise public awareness, overcome the dominance of hydrocarbons, strengthen grid capacity to absorb intermittent supply from renewables, and mobilise sources of capital.  

The EBRD is working on energy-related policies and investments in the Central Asian region, which ranges from fossil-fuel exporters such as Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to the hydropower-rich Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan.