Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- Today, the European Union (EU) launched a new Sustainable Energy Linkages in Central Asia (SECCA) project during a roundtable on the EU-Central Asia Connectivity Conference "Global Gateway". 

The event was attended by representatives of government agencies and experts in the field of energy from the countries of Central Asia and the EU. The SECCA project with a total budget of 6.8 million euros aims to promote a more sustainable energy balance in the Central Asian region in line with EU best practices. In particular, the project aims to strengthen national policies for the transition to a sustainable energy system and increase investment, capacity and awareness in the field of renewable energy and energy efficiency in the region.

Recent events show positive signs of possible sustainable energy ties in Central Asia. Due to economic and population growth, regional electricity demand is expected to increase. Meeting this demand will require significant investment, market reforms and capacity development.

Addressing the round table participants, Ms. Mareta Jager, Deputy Director General at the Directorate General for International Partnerships (DG INTPA), said: “This project is guided by the European Green Deal and the new EU Strategy for Central Asia. The latter document specifically commits to develop the region’s potential in solar, wind and hydropower to contribute to the region’s energy resilience, helping to achieve its climate goals, as well as creating jobs and business opportunities. Currently, the significant sustainable energy potential of the region is underutilized due to many institutional, financial, technical and social barriers. The SECCA project will serve as a catalyst in removing these barriers and increasing renewable energy production and energy efficiency in the region.”

Moreover, the SECCA Project will also be gender responsive in supporting gender policies and legislation in both energy efficiency and renewable energy, as well as promoting the role of women in this area.

During the round table, the project experts presented the goals of SECCA, also shared their planned activities and expected results. The participants discussed the current state and challenges in the field of sustainable energy and cooperation between the EU and CA.