Sustainable and clean energy in North and Central Asia
North and Central Asia countries are rich with energy sources. Energy was a key driver of economic growth in the subregion for several years after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. In the years after independence, the expansion of conventional energy sources and the initiation of market reforms allowed countries in the subregion to establish a stable energy supply and benefit from energy trade. These efforts created favourable conditions and a conducive environment for restructuring the socioeconomic order. However, challenges remain in terms of energy efficiency, energy security and diversification. This paper examines the current energy landscape in North and Central Asia and proposes clean energy as a driver to achieve the 2030 Agenda. The interlinkages between clean energy and other SDGs are mapped out, and an analysis aims to ascertain the determinants of clean energy and its relationship to selected SDG indicators. Based on the findings, the paper elaborates on five policy considerations for sustainable and clean energy in North and Central Asia.
