Tbilisi, Georgia – A Delegation, comprised of 16 senior government officials and energy sector experts from the countries of Central Asia (CA), at the invitation of the European Union (EU) visited Georgia for a study tour on “Sustainable Energy in Practice: Georgia’s Success and EU Best Practices”. Representatives of the Turkmenenergo State Corporation and the Research and Production Centre of the State Energy Centre under the Ministry of Energy of Turkmenistan took part in the event.
Organised by the EU-funded project “Sustainable Energy Connectivity in Central Asia (SECCA)”, the study tour from 13 to 21 November 2023 showcased Georgia’s successful energy sector reforms, aligned with EU policies and Energy Community standards.Under the European Green Deal, the EU Member States are moving towards a climate neutral economy. To ensure that no one is left behind, the EU prioritises just and inclusive energy transition globally and calls for acting decisively on renewables and energy efficiency deployment. With 70 % of its electricity sourced from renewables, Georgia stands out as a regional renewable powerhouse. Through strategic reforms aligned with EU integration and Green Deal, Georgia has transformed its energy sector, ensuring energy security and making its energy sector a key driver of the regional economy. Moreover, with initiatives like the EU’s Global Gateway, Georgia aims to become a net electricity exporter to Europe.“As any country in Central Asia, Turkmenistan has abundant potential to produce renewable energy, especially, solar and wind. The country’s new legislation provides relevant incentives for renewable energy projects. It was very interesting to learn about Georgia’s experience in developing and supporting renewable energy projects, and promoting cooperation between state authorities and private sector, as well as supporting green investments”, stated Mr Akmyrat Akmyradow, representative of the Turkmenenergo State Corporation.
“This study tour aligns with the EU’s international efforts to promote sustainable energy policies, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and enhance energy efficiency to meet the Paris Agreement targets by all partner countries. It underscores the significance of international cooperation in achieving just energy transition. Main goals of this study tour were to enhance capacities of national governments, mutual exchange of knowledge and skills, review of practical policy development aspects. I hope within these days we achieved our goals and will continue our collaboration back in the region”, stated Mr Paata Janelidze, SECCA Team Leader.
The SECCA project applied a practice-oriented approach to link meetings, site-visits, discussions, and interactions organised within the study tour to the needs and priorities of the participants. The programme provided opportunity for extensive knowledge sharing between the participants and local experts from governmental and non-governmental organisations, private sector players, and investors. The CA delegates gained first-hand knowledge on overall policy and legal framework for the promotion of sustainable energy, integrated energy and climate planning, practical aspects of promotion of energy efficiency in buildings and industry, project development and implementation, promotion of green investments, renewable energy auctions, and regional networks.
About SECCA:
The EU-funded project “Sustainable Energy Connectivity in Central Asia (SECCA)” (from March 2022 to March 2026) aims to promote a sustainable energy mix in the Central Asia region in line with EU best practices. To fulfil its mission, SECCA strives to provide for strengthened and more inclusive policy, regulatory and institutional framework for the transition to a sustainable energy system, within a regional context, and focuses on contributing to the fulfilment of international human rights commitments in CA countries, including equal access to energy, and supporting gender inclusive policies and legislation for energy efficiency (EE) and renewable energy (RE). The project activities include capacity development for EE and RE deployment, awareness raising on EE and RE, and improving investment climate for EE and RE projects. Website: www.secca.eu.
For additional information and media inquiries, please contact Mrs Yelena Serebrennikova, Communication strategist, SECCA, email: media@secca.eu, WhatsApp: +77019814020, Mrs Nurgul Smagulova-Dulic, Digital Communication Expert, SECCA, email: nurgul.smagulova@secca.eu, WhatsApp: +77012066760, or the EU Delegation to Turmenistan: delegation-turkmenistan@eeas.europa.eu.