Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — At the International Climate Forum in Samarkand, Francesco La Camera, Director-General of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), delivered a keynote address emphasizing the importance of accelerating the energy transition and the role of Central Asia in this process.

Francesco La Camera highlighted that 2025 marks a decade since the adoption of the Paris Agreement. However, he stated that "despite impressive growth in the renewable energy sector, collective efforts remain insufficient to achieve climate goals and the Sustainable Development Goals."

He drew attention to the increasing commitment of the region's countries to climate goals: "Central Asian countries are updating their nationally determined contributions, adopting sustainable development and decarbonization strategies, which demonstrates the seriousness of their intentions."

The IRENA head expressed particular concern about the region's climate vulnerability. "Central Asia is already experiencing the consequences of climate change—glacier melt, extreme temperatures, and water stress. All of this directly impacts human health, agriculture, infrastructure, and hydropower," he said.

Francesco La Camera reminded the audience that at COP28 in Dubai, the global community agreed to triple global renewable energy capacity to 11.2 terawatts by 2030 and double the pace of energy efficiency improvements. However, he noted that real progress has not yet met the stated ambitions: "To meet these goals, the annual growth in capacity must be 16.4%, much higher than the current 8.1%."

He emphasized three key areas of action: "We must accelerate the development of infrastructure, reform the regulatory framework, and strengthen institutional mechanisms. Only in this way can we scale investments and achieve sustainable growth."

Francesco La Camera highlighted the particular role of Central Asia in this process. He noted that amid growing electricity demand and economic development, the region has the potential to transition to a sustainable energy model. "We need to increase both private and public investments, strengthen regional cooperation, and develop innovative green technologies," he said.

In this context, he particularly highlighted the launch of the APRECA initiative (Accelerating Renewable Energy Development in Central Asia Partnership), in collaboration with Azerbaijan’s COP29 presidency. According to him, APRECA "paves the way for scaling up investments, knowledge sharing, and transforming the region's economies." He called on countries to actively participate in the initiative: "IRENA is ready to support this process—from ambition to action."

Francesco La Camera also announced the release of an IRENA analytical report: "In the coming weeks, we will present a study on accelerating the development of green hydrogen in Central Asia and the South Caucasus. It will emphasize the need for a systemic approach and regional cooperation in the decarbonization of industry."

In conclusion, he expressed confidence that the region possesses all the necessary conditions for leadership in the energy transition: "Central Asia can become a hub for green industrialization, produce green hydrogen, sustainably develop critical minerals, and create jobs for the next generation."

"Together, we can create a cleaner, fairer, and more sustainable energy future. Central Asia has all the resources to play a key role in the global transition," Francesco La Camera concluded.