Central Asia Commits to Renewable Energy Initiatives

During the COP29 Energy Transition Investment Forum in Baku, officials highlighted Central Asia's vast potential for renewable energy and the need for enhanced regional cooperation to unlock this potential. Sanghoon Lee from the Korea Energy Agency and Antonella Bassani from the World Bank emphasized that interconnected energy systems and cross-border trade can stabilize energy supplies, reduce carbon emissions, and improve energy security while attracting international investments. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) launched the Accelerated Partnership for Renewable Energy in Central Asia (APRECA) initiative to promote green industrialization and fast-track renewable energy adoption. IRENA's Director-General Francesco La Camera underscored the importance of collective efforts from Central Asian states to meet climate goals and ensure energy security. The forum serves as a critical platform for discussing climate finance and fostering partnerships to achieve an ambitious New Collective Quantified Goal. As COP29 continues, the focus remains on concrete actions and investments needed for the energy transition in the region.