Prospects for Solar Energy in Central Asia in the Con­text of Energy Transition

Dmitrii Kritskii and Ivan Shchedrov
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Dmitrii Kritskii: National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow, Russia
Ivan Shchedrov: Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia

HSE Economic Journal, 2024, vol. 28, issue 2, 329–351

Abstract: The countries of Central Asia are facing energy shortages, and the energy infrastructure is unable to meet the needs of the region's ever-growing population. The structure of electricity generation differs – Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan rely on energy generation from gas thermal power plants, Kazakhstan – on coal thermal power plants, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan – on hydroelectric power plants. Although electricity production is increasing, it does not fully satisfy the needs of the population of the countries in the region, which has grown 1.5 times since independence. The deterioration of material infrastructure, tariff pricing policies and objective socio-economic factors are causing systemic energy crises, and energy shortages, which will only increase. Today, the level of energy production from solar power plants does not exceed 1%, although national governments recognize the importance of this source for ensuring the country’s energy security, and the region has good insolation indicators. In this regard, the issue of developing renewable energy sources, and in particular solar power plants, is becoming increasingly relevant. The purpose of this study is to analyze the key limitations and prospects for the development of solar energy in the countries of Central Asia. To determine the nature of the de­velopment of this area, the authors conduct a comparative analysis of the situation in the econo­my, energy sectors, and the regulatory framework of the countries of the region. Key exogenous factors influencing the speed of implementation of solar power plant construction projects were identified, in particular, including the policies of large countries and international financial organizations. Based on the results of the analysis of financial, technical and regulatory limitations, recommendations were drawn up that could contribute to the development of the field.

Keywords: RES; renewable energy; solar power plants; Central Asia; solar energy; energy transition; Kazakhstan (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O19 O53 Q20 Q40 Q42 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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