While the global goal is achieving net-zero emissions, every country pursues a distinct energy transition approach. Over the past decade, the World Economic Forum's Energy Transition Index (ETI) has seen a 10% global improvement in assessing a nation's energy system performance and readiness for a secure, sustainable, affordable, and reliable energy future.
Top-ranked countries in ETI, such as Sweden, Denmark, and Norway, have thrived thanks to diverse energy systems, stable regulations, substantial investments in research and development, and carbon pricing incentivizing eco-friendly solutions. However, some less developed nations have made remarkable strides in their ETI scores, rapidly advancing towards a net-zero future.
Central Asia
Design by Nigora Umarova
This graph is a summary of information regarding three (out of five) Central Asian countries' sustainable energy transition efforts presented by WEF. ETI stands for Energy Transition Index and as the data shows, the index rose for two of the three countries during the period from 2014 until 2023. Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan stand at 73, 76, and 91 places for ETI respectively. The global average for the index being 56.3%, none of the three countries have reached that mark yet.
System performance and transition readiness of each country are shown to be quite similar to each other, explaining the countries' close placement on the list.
While WEF has not presented energy data for Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, their country profiles at the International Energy Agence reveal their progress in transitioning to sustainable energy.
Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan's Renewable Energy Sources by Nigora Umarova
Uzbekistan has untapped potential for more efficient and diverse energy supply and consumption. Achieving this hinges on transitioning to competitive markets with private sector involvement and realistic energy pricing. Uzbekistan aims, under its "Green" Economy Transition Strategy (2019-2030), to surpass 25% renewable energy in total electricity generation by 2030.
The nation boasts substantial renewable energy potential, particularly in solar power, with a total RES potential of 117,984 Mtoe and a technical potential of 179.3 Mtoe. As of 2018, Uzbekistan had 1,844 MW in renewable energy capacity, covering around 3% of total energy consumption.
Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan's government is committed to enhancing its oil and gas sector, with plans for modernizing and expanding electricity and heat production by 2020. The energy sector is heavily subsidized, with citizens receiving cost-free electricity, heat, and gas up to a specified consumption level until 2030. Efforts are underway to decrease subsidies, aiming to restrain domestic demand and boost exports.
There is no data on any efforts of transitioning to sustainable energy presented by IEA, and no certainty in whether the country will adopt any steps for moving towards green energy.
However, in his speech at the UN assembly last month, Serdar Berdimuhamedov pointed out: "We are primarily discussing a gradual shift towards implementing and utilizing contemporary technologies that are environmentally sustainable and resource-efficient, particularly in the fields of energy, industry and transportation."
Effectively Transitioning Countries
Among the 120 countries in the World Economic Forum's Fostering Effective Energy Transition 2023 report, only India and Singapore are excelling across all three categories – equitable, secure, and sustainable. This underlines the immense challenge in the transition process. Notably, Kenya and Tunisia stand out in terms of equitable transition, addressing regulatory enhancements, innovation, infrastructure, social inclusivity, and affordability. Kenya, for instance, aims to provide energy for all while reducing greenhouse gas emissions, fostering inclusiveness by designing energy plans at a local level.
Tunisia has also embraced equity in its transition, particularly with growing energy demand and falling domestic energy resources. To ensure long-term cost-effectiveness, the Tunisian Solar Plan was launched in 2016, targeting 30% renewable electricity by 2030. These nations focus on efficiency alongside environmental sustainability.
Amid global environmental concerns, the energy security focus has intensified due to geopolitical events like Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Countries such as Brunei Darussalam, Ghana, and Albania, with diverse development stages, lead in energy security, despite their reliance on fossil fuels. They have diversified energy sources, reduced imports, and improved reliability.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is also making significant strides in sustainability, positioning itself as a leader in the Middle East. Its Vision 2030 initiative, launched in 2016, aims to reduce oil dependency by boosting non-oil exports. The Public Investment Fund is investing in hydrogen-related projects and pioneering a voluntary carbon market. Saudi Arabia is also actively supporting solar and wind energy growth, fostering joint investments, research programs, training, incentives, and electrification to further sustainability.
Written by Nigora Umarova
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