International Network of Energy Transition Think Tanks (INETTT)转发了
Economist specializing in renewable energy, just energy transition and sustainable development, promoting renewable energy and introducing international standards in challenging markets.
At #COP29, I had many opportunities to present the results of our Agora Energiewende project on just energy transition in Kazakhstan and Central Asia. During the two weeks in Baku, I did the following four presentations and interventions: ? ?? In the Kazakhstan pavilion. My colleagues and I discussed Kazakhstan's NDC 3.0 and the critical importance of phasing down coal generation in achieving the country's climate goals and ensuring a just energy transition. This step is pivotal, as coal combustion accounts for over 40% of Kazakhstan's total greenhouse gas emissions. ? ?? In the Kyrgyzstan pavilion. My speech emphasized the significance of energy cooperation and interconnection among Central Asian countries. This collaboration is particularly important as Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are expanding their variable renewables, while Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan possess flexible hydropower resources (although both countries have been facing power deficit in recent years), and Turkmenistan relies almost entirely on natural gas for electricity generation. Coordinated efforts could harness these complementary energy profiles for a more resilient and sustainable regional energy system. This discussion is not new, but let’s get it finally done! ? ?? In the Regional Climate Foundations pavilion. I outlined which EU decarbonization policies, in my view, could be effectively adapted for use in developing countries. Although the topic could easily take hours to cover, I only had five minutes, so I focused on emissions trading (EU ETS) and coal phase-out planning. For developing countries, it's crucial that emissions come with a financial cost, and that allowances aren't freely distributed for decades. Successful coal phase-out policies hinge primarily on political will and decisive action. ? ?? Finally, at the side event of Agora Energy Transition China, devoted to experiences of transitions from coal in different countries and regions. My key message was on Kazakhstan, and it was twofold. Kazakhstan has already achieved a lot in terms of renewable energy development: in the first half of 2024, solar and wind power plants generated 5.5% of all electricity in the country, while a decade ago these sources accounted for 0% of generation. However, in terms of reducing coal dependence, the country is still at stage zero or even stage minus one: in the coming years, more than 4 GW of new coal power plants will appear in Kazakhstan, and there is still no plan to phase down old capacities. Many thanks to all the organisers, speakers and participants for the lively discussions. Zhasyl damu, Climate Action Network Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia (CAN EECCA), Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), Agora Energiewende.
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