#TSEP 240 Energy Transition in Central Asia – Strategies, Structures, Opportunities

Today, we're examining a region that's rarely in the spotlight in
the international energy debate, yet has enormous potential:
Central Asia. Specifically five countries characterised by a long
tradition of fossil fuels, but also by an abundance of sun, wind,
and water: Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and
Turkmenistan. Are these countries already tapping into their
potential for a sustainable energy future? We’ll get up to speed
in regards to their political strategies and investment
programs driving the transformation. What are the biggest hurdles
in terms of regulation, financing, and infrastructure? How
important are international partnerships in making this region a
key player in the global energy transition? We talk about this
with Elena Metzger.


About Elena Metzger


Elena Metzger leads the German Energy Dialogues with Kazakhstan
and Uzbekistan on behalf of the Federal Ministry for Economic
Affairs and Energy (BMWE). She has been the driving force to
shape the Energy Dialogues into a key platform for political and
technical exchange on energy efficiency, industrial
decarbonization, renewable energies, and green
hydrogen. 
She is also team leader for Central Asia, Türkiye, and the South
Caucasus in the International Cooperation Department at the
German Energy Agency (dena). 



About the bilateral Energy Partnership Central
Asia


With regard to cooperating in the field of energy policy,
achieving international climate goals and making climate
neutrality a reality by 2045, the German Government’s bilateral
Energy Partnerships (EPs) have become one of its most important
international energy and climate policy instruments. The growing
network strengthens political dialogue on climate protection and
energy system transformation between Germany and partner
countries worldwide. The declared aim of this cooperation is to
shape a successful global energy transition that combines
security of supply, decarbonisation of industry and foreign trade
promotion with effective climate protection.


Today's episode is supported by Weidmüller, a specialist in
electrification, automation, digitalisation, electrical
connectivity and renewable energies. The family-owned company
celebrates its 175th anniversary this year and is a true solar
pioneer, boasting over 20 years of experience in PV.
With more than 80 locations worldwide, Weidmüller markets
combiner boxes, communication infrastructure and installation
accessories for utility-scale and rooftop systems.