Fortifying policies, capacities, and regional cooperation to improve energy connections

Sustainable Energy Connectivity in Central Asia (SECCA)

Central Asia abounds with diverse energy resources. From oil, natural gas, and coal to rich untapped renewable sources like solar, wind, and hydro, there’s a lot of power potential to explore and leverage in the region. And yet, access to basic energy services remains a challenge in rural populations.

The European Union’s program for Sustainable Energy Connectivity in Central Asia (SECCA) was launched in 2022 to help develop a more reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy supply in Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan. Having already carried out several projects in the region, the SECCA program is another opportunity for us to help with sustainable energy development, climate action, and engagement.

Our job? Providing technical assistance services to strengthen public capacity (institutional, human, regulatory, and financial), raise awareness, improve data and modelling, facilitate the identification of bankable projects, and boost regional cooperation through the organization of study tours and conferences. We’re working on mapping current legislation, regulations, and policy documents related to energy efficiency and renewable energy and developing an updated project work plan and logistical framework. We’re also creating a communications and visibility plan—designing the project’s visual identity, generating media coverage, and leading stakeholder engagement and management—all in alignment with EU values and best practices.

As the first project of its kind to focus on sustainable energy solutions for the whole Central Asian region, SECCA represents a notable step towards improved energy security, a main pillar of the Central Asian Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) strategy.