Strategy for informing the public about the benefits of using RES was discussed at the Mary Energy Institute

On March 24th, the Turkmen State Energy Institute (TSEI) hosted the first round table in a hybrid format to discuss the development of a strategy for public awareness on the benefits of using renewable energy sources (RES) and the implementation of energy efficiency.

The 1st round table was attended by representatives of authorized national partners, such as: the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, the Ministry of Energy of Turkmenistan and its subdivisions, the State Concern «Turkmengas» and its subdivisions, the Ministry of Environment Protection of Turkmenistan, the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan, as well as staff from the European Union (EU) Delegation to Turkmenistan, the UNDP project «Sustainable Cities in Turkmenistan: Integrated Green Urban Development in Ashgabat and Avaza», the project «Sustainable Energy Connections in Central Asia» (SECCA), the project «Renewable Energy in Central Asia» (RECA), Young SDG Ambassadors, students, the project team from the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ), and representatives of civil society organizations: «Tebigy Kuwwat», «Yash tebigatchy», «Junior Achievment Turkmenistan», «Nature Preserving Society of Turkmenistan», «Mashgala», and «Mirasly Senet».

From the outset, Aganyaz Yagshiyevich Djumaev, Vice-Rector for Research at TSEI, who moderated the event, welcomed all participants, wished them successful work, and provided a brief overview of the round table’s background. In particular, it was noted that the development and implementation of the Strategy is a crucial component of the project «European Union for Green Development in Turkmenistan: Policy Dialogue and Climate Action: 2024-2028», funded by the European Union and the Federal Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Germany. This project, implemented by GIZ, aims to support Turkmenistan’s sustainable development efforts by applying best international practices and EU standards. The project’s starting point was the Memorandum of Understanding signed on May 14, 2024, between the Ministry of Energy of Turkmenistan, the State Concern «Turkmengas», and GIZ. The project’s primary focus will be on establishing effective dialogue between the EU and Turkmenistan’s state bodies to promote RES and enhance energy efficiency by reducing methane and other greenhouse gas emissions. It also plans to build the capacity of state institutions in climate change adaptation. Two pilot projects demonstrating adaptation measures in the field of RES will be implemented under the project.

Subsequently, A.Ya. Djumaev gave the floor to Serdar Gochakovich Nazarov, Rector of TSEI, Ms. Renata Wrobel, Deputy Head of Delegation of the EU to Turkmenistan, and Dr. Caroline Milow, Program Manager GIZ, for opening remarks at the first session.

S.G. Nazarov:

– Today, as part of the program supported by GIZ, a training room equipped with the latest IT-equipment has been installed at the Research and Production Center for «RES» at our institute, which has significantly improved the quality of education. Classes are conducted in an interactive format with the possibility of remote video conferencing, and students are given the opportunity to better complete their assignments and expand their horizons.

Ms.Renata Wrobel:

– I would like to note the strong commitment of Turkmenistan’s youth to raising awareness about climate change and promoting renewable energy. The youth conferences held in 2024, culminating in the Youth Roadmap for Climate Action 2025, demonstrate the leading role of youth in combating the negative effects of climate change.

The second session was rich with presentations from national and international experts, both online and offline. Dr. Сaroline Milow presented a report on the project:

– The project activities are aimed at expanding the partnership between the EU and Turkmenistan. We are further strengthening our dialogue by expanding cooperation and also providing support in the implementation of Turkmenistan’s National Climate Change Strategy. Our political dialogue is supported through technical assistance and capacity building.

Dr. Peter Liebelt, Head of the Central Asian Sustainable Innovation Bureau (CASIB) office in Almaty, Kazakhstan, shared the EU’s experience in informing the public about the benefits of RES and energy efficiency.

And Ms. Elena Zhuchenko, UNDP International Consultant on RES, shared international experience via video-conference platform on disseminating and promoting initiatives for the development of RES among the public, population, and young generation.

The session continued with presentations from local experts. Gylychmuhammet Jorayev, GIZ Energy Advisor, presented the draft concept of the «Strategy for Public Awareness on the Benefits of RES and Energy Efficiency» to the audience. The speaker noted that the ideas and proposals expressed at the round table would be taken into account in the process of developing the draft strategy. And during the second round table, tentatively scheduled for late April – early May 2025, the first draft of the strategy will be discussed. At this stage, participants will be able to contribute their additional proposals and comments, which will allow the document to be finalized considering various opinions and recommendations. And at the third round table, which will take place in May-June 2025, the final draft of the Strategy will be presented.

Atamuhammet Saryyev, specialist of the «Sustainable Energy Connections in Central Asia» (SECCA) project, gave a presentation on economic benefits: Reducing energy costs and increasing economic sustainability.

Jemal Durdykova, specialist of the UNDP project «Sustainable Cities in Turkmenistan: Integrated Green Urban Development in Ashgabat and Avaza», spoke on the topic of environmental responsibility: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality.

The presentation by Abdurahman Myratdurdyyev, Deputy Head of the Department of Prospective Development of the Ministry of Energy of Turkmenistan, was about technological innovations: Modern solutions in the field of energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources.

The second half of the round table was dedicated to group work, where participants discussed and proposed ideas and activities for inclusion in the Strategy.

Participants were divided into 6 groups with specific tasks:

• Group 1: Strategic goals, objectives, and principles, proposals for the title of the future document
• Group 2: Defining the target audience, proposed communication channels, and activities that will become part of the strategy’s implementation action plan
• Group 3: Overview of funding prospects, monitoring, and evaluation of strategy implementation
• Group 4: Gender aspect of RES: Women’s contribution to green energy
• Group 5: The role of public organizations in the implementation of the strategy

The group work culminated in the presentation of their results. Young SDG Ambassadors were particularly active, presenting proposals from four groups.

Berkeli Atayev, Director of the Public Association Enterprise «Tebigy Kuwwat», presented the results of the fifth group’s discussions to the participants of the round table with specific proposed activities.

In the concluding part, the round table organizers thanked all participants for their productive work and expressed hope for active joint participation in future project events.

Berkeli Atayev.