New Stations and “Smart” Power Grids: Central Asian Energy Ministers Meet in Astana

The first meeting of energy ministers of Central Asian states has been held in Astana. The heads of ministries signed a final document in which they agreed to overcome the energy crisis in the region together, Orda.kz reports.

Kazakhstan's Energy Minister Almasadam Satkaliyev called the global disruption of energy supply stability the main challenge for Central Asian countries.

Fluctuations in oil and gas prices and other factors lead to uncertainty in energy supplies, which historically guarantees regional and national socio-economic stability. To ensure the security of energy supplies, it is necessary to develop mechanisms for forecasting and managing these challenges, as well as to strengthen cooperation between our countries, said Almasadam Satkaliyev.

In the final communiqué, the countries participating in the meeting — Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan — confirmed their commitment to sustainable development. Such development should mean providing all countries in the region with access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy sources.

The parties will continue to strengthen cooperation and expand opportunities for energy trade, and stimulate the development of modern energy infrastructure. Given the high potential in the area of ​​regional electricity supplies, the parties will study the possibility of developing projects to create new generating capacities. One of the priorities is the digital transformation of the electric power industry, and the parties are ready to establish an exchange of experience and cooperation in this area,Meeting participants noted in the final document. 

The energy departments of Central Asian countries will also consider introducing “smart” power grids and electricity storage systems to improve the quality of power industry management in the region.

The parties agreed to establish a permanent dialogue on energy, create a working body, and hold regular meetings of department heads.