21 NOVEMBER 2023 EXPERTSFROM KAZAKHSTAN EXAMINE GEORGIA’S SUSTAINABLE ENERGY SUCCESS AND EUROPEAN UNION’S BEST PRACTICES

            Tbilisi, Georgia–A Delegation, comprised of 16 senior government officials and energy sector experts from the countries ofCentral Asia (CA), at the invitation of the European Union (EU)visited Georgia for a study tour on“Sustainable Energy in Practice: Georgia’sSuccess andEUBest Practices”.Representatives of the Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of Industry and Construction, and the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Kazakhstan 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 showcasedGeorgia’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, embracing renewables, 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.

            «Learning from the European experience represents a significant step towards green energy transition in Kazakhstan. Georgia’s experience and progress in introduction and implementation of the EU standards, integrated energy and climate planning, and promotion of green investments are particularly useful for us. Learning from this experience andapplying the EU and the Energy Community regulations can catalyse similar progress in our region», stated Mr Azamat Panbayev, Chairman of the Committee of Industry of the Ministry of Industry and Construction of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

            “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 localexperts 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.