EDB Proposes “Middle Path” Strategy for Central Asia Energy

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) has published a report titled “Central Asia Energy: Modernization and Energy Transition,” analyzing the region’s electricity needs and proposing a balanced “middle path” strategy.

According to forecasts, electricity consumption in Central Asian countries will increase by 40% by 2030, with around 62.8 GW of new capacity required by 2035.

A significant portion of the existing infrastructure is outdated, and technical losses in networks remain above average European levels.

EDB experts note that extreme approaches to energy development have drawbacks. A conservative strategy maintains high carbon footprints and risks from aging assets, while “green maximalism” may increase tariffs and reduce energy supply reliability.

The “middle path” strategy combines modernization of conventional power plants, development of renewable energy, implementation of storage systems, and digitalization of networks.

This approach reduces capital costs by 30–45% compared with green maximalism, lowers electricity production costs by 25–35%, and decreases the carbon footprint fivefold compared with the conservative scenario.

The report emphasizes the need to modernize existing power plants and networks, enhance system flexibility through reserve capacities and batteries, integrate renewables with grid infrastructure, and implement market reforms.

Regional integration, including intergovernmental transmission lines and electricity trade, is considered key to improving reliability and lowering costs.

Central Asia possesses substantial resources for a successful energy transition: solar zones in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, hydropower in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, wind zones in western Kazakhstan and along the Caspian coast, as well as gas and uranium reserves.

According to EDB Chief Economist Evgeny Vinokurov, the “middle path” strategy will allow the region to maintain reliable conventional generation while developing clean technologies, providing a sustainable foundation for economic growth and climate commitments.

Applying this balanced approach offers an opportunity to modernize energy systems without major disruptions, combining economic efficiency, environmental sustainability, and energy supply reliability.