In this episode, we examine the dynamic energy landscape of the Republic of Tajikistan—shaped by its post-Soviet transformation, significant reliance on hydropower, and the increasing pressures of climate change and infrastructure limitations. From seasonal energy shortages to challenges in regional energy interdependence, we discuss the key vulnerabilities affecting the country’s energy security and explore strategic pathways toward a more resilient and sustainable energy future.
Our guest provides thoughtful reflections on the intersection of policy, development, and international cooperation—highlighting both the opportunities and complexities of Tajikistan’s green transition. This episode offers valuable perspectives for policymakers, development practitioners, researchers, and anyone interested in advancing sustainable energy in Central Asia.
This episode of CAN-SET podcast focuses on the complex and evolving relationship between water, climate, and industrial development in Central Asia. A leading regional expert shares insights on the legacy of Soviet-era infrastructure, changing approaches to transboundary water cooperation, and the accelerating impact of climate change.
Key themes include the vulnerabilities in the water-energy-food nexus, the rise of modern technologies such as floating solar and wastewater reuse, and the challenges of scaling solutions in water-stressed, energy-intensive sectors. The conversation also highlights governance gaps, policy needs, and the importance of community engagement for a just transition.
Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on current regional dynamics, successful innovations, and the essential skills and mindsets for those working at the intersection of water, energy, and climate in Central Asia.
Hydrogen is rapidly emerging as a key solution in the global push for decarbonization, offering pathways to reduce emissions across industry, transport, and power. In Central Asia, where renewable energy potential is vast and interest in clean technologies is growing, hydrogen is gaining traction as a strategic priority.
This episode explores the current state of hydrogen development in the region—examining opportunities for scaling up, the role of international cooperation, and the actions needed to turn ambition into implementation. With insights from a leading expert in the field, we discuss what it will take to build a viable hydrogen future for Central Asia.
In this episode of the CAN-SET Podcast, we explore how Uzbekistan is navigating the complex intersection of agriculture, energy, and climate resilience. With farming practices that are both water- and energy-intensive, the country faces a critical challenge — and opportunity — to green its rural economy.
Join us as we discuss:
The energy footprint of Uzbekistan’s agriculture sector
Innovative uses of renewables like solar and biogas in farming
Policy shifts and barriers to clean energy adoption in rural areas
How the energy transition can be made inclusive for smallholder farmers, women, and youth
This conversation sheds light on the potential to build a more sustainable and equitable future from the ground up.
Clean technologies and digitalization are transforming the global energy landscape, optimizing energy systems, reducing emissions, and enhancing efficiency. In Central Asia, where fossil fuels remain dominant but renewable energy potential is vast, these advancements could be key to accelerating the transition toward a more sustainable future.
This episode explores how AI-driven energy management, smart grids, and IoT applications are reshaping the sector. We will also discuss real-world success stories, key challenges, and the policy and investment opportunities that can drive this transformation.
Joining us is Dr. Anna Broughel, a lecturer at Johns Hopkins University and an expert in clean energy policy, to share insights on how digital tools are revolutionizing the energy sector.
In this episode of the Central Asian Network for Sustainable Energy Transition, we explore how legal frameworks can accelerate Kazakhstan’s shift to renewable energy. We discuss the country’s legal landscape, challenges in enforcing policies amid fossil fuel reliance and geopolitical shifts, and key opportunities for reforms and regional collaboration. In addition, we highlight success stories that display the potential of Kazakhstan’s renewable energy sector. Tune in to learn how legal incentives can drive a sustainable future!
Energy security is at the heart of economic stability, political independence, and climate resilience. Yet, Central Asia’s deep reliance on fossil fuels presents both a challenge and an opportunity. As the region navigates the complexities of transitioning to sustainable energy, a key question emerges: How can Central Asian countries secure their energy future while reducing dependence on fossil fuels?
In this episode, we explore:
· The current state of energy security in Central Asia
· The risks and challenges of continued fossil fuel reliance
· Pathways to a more sustainable and resilient energy system
Join us as we dive into the critical choices shaping the region’s energy future.
Can regional collaboration drive the energy transition forward, or does history continue to hold us back?
Regionalism in Central Asia has been both a catalyst for progress and a point of contention. As the region navigates the urgent need for a just energy transition, greater cooperation could open doors to sustainability, energy security, and economic resilience. However, historical tensions, political differences, and economic challenges often stand in the way.
In this episode, we’ll delve into the past and present of regional energy cooperation in Central Asia, examining the opportunities and obstacles that shape its future. We’ll also discuss the crucial roles that policymakers, businesses, and young professionals play in driving meaningful change. Is regional collaboration the key to unlocking a sustainable energy future, or will past divisions continue to hold us back? Let’s find out.
Welcome to Adapting for Change: The Technology Behind Central Asia’s Energy Shift, the podcast episode where we explore the intersection of technology, policy, and community in building a sustainable future. In today’s episode, we dive into a pivotal topic: the energy transition shaping Central Asia. This region, with its rich history of resource reliance, is now poised for a transformative shift toward renewable energy and climate resilience.
Our focus today is on the technological innovations driving this transition, the policies enabling change, and the role of communities in making it a reality. So, get ready for an insightful discussion filled with expert perspectives, inspiring stories, and actionable insights.
Stay tuned—this is an episode you won’t want to miss!
The energy transition is not just about advanced technology or cutting-edge innovation—it is about people. It is about creating opportunities for communities to take ownership of their energy futures, build resilience, and foster economic and social benefits.
That is why I am excited to share the latest episode of the EU’s experience of Establishing Energy Cooperatives and possibility of the Models’ Adaptation in Central Asia!
In this episode, we delve into the transformative role of energy cooperatives—community-driven initiatives where citizens collectively own and manage renewable energy projects. In Europe, these cooperatives, known as REScoops, have gained recognition through the EU’s Clean Energy Package. They are a game-changer, enabling individuals to actively participate in the energy transition.
✅ What you will learn in this episode:
Key legal and policy frameworks driving the success of energy cooperatives in Europe.
The barriers these cooperatives face—regulatory, financial, and cultural—and how they are overcoming them.
Inspiring stories of how energy cooperatives empower communities and drive measurable environmental and economic outcomes.
Insights on adapting this model to Central Asia and other regions.
💡 Whether you’re a policymaker, an energy professional, or simply passionate about sustainability, this episode offers valuable takeaways on how grassroots initiatives can lead the way in the energy transition.
Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges of our time, with particularly significant impacts on Central Asia—a region defined by its unique geographical, economic, and cultural characteristics.
In this episode, we examine the intricate interplay between climate change and regional interconnectivity, exploring how this shared challenge is shaping the future of Central Asian countries. The discussion focuses on strategies to enhance cross-border economic cooperation, the role of sustainable B2B collaborations, and the importance of education and public awareness in building climate resilience. Additionally, we evaluate successful cross-border projects and identify key priorities for regional cooperation to maximize shared benefits.
Join us for an insightful conversation with Dr. Roman Vakulchuk, a scholar from Kazakhstan, as we explore how Central Asia can address the challenges of climate change while seizing opportunities for sustainable development and stronger economic ties.
For a deeper dive into Dr. Vakulchuk's work, check out these studies:
A void in Central Asia research: Climate change
Read here: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02634937.2022.2059447
Central Asia is a missing link in analyses of critical materials for the global clean energy transition
Read here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590332221006606
Welcome to this special episode of the Central Asian Network for Sustainable Energy Transition podcast, where we celebrate the conclusion of our first season! With listeners from over 21 countries—including Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, the United States, and Azerbaijan—we’ve explored key topics like green finance, renewable energy, hydrogen, gender equality, and more.
In the episode we reflect on the insights gained throughout the season, discuss their implications for Central Asia’s sustainable future, and revisit the challenges and opportunities in achieving a just energy transition. Thank you for your incredible support—let’s dive in!
Water is one of the most vital resources in Central Asia, yet its availability and distribution are shaped by complex geographic, climatic, and political factors. In this episode, we explore the region’s main water sources—rivers, glaciers, and aquifers—and examine how these are distributed across countries. We also discuss how Central Asian countries use water across key sectors such as agriculture, energy, industry, and drinking water, highlighting the challenges each sector faces. From the impacts of water scarcity on rural economies to the technologies being adopted to improve water efficiency and reduce waste, we unpack the critical issues affecting the region’s water management. Join us as we explore these pressing questions and the path toward a more sustainable water future in Central Asia with prominent expert Dr. Iskandar Abdullaev, Country representative at International Water Management Institute.
Ms. Christine Lins, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Global Women’s Network for Energy Transition (GWNET), joined us to discuss key questions on building a supportive energy network. Why is creating a resilient energy network so critical? What steps can facilitate the development of a strong energy community in Central Asia? What are the main challenges and opportunities in the region? These and other pressing questions were explored in our conversation.
In the episode the critical questions surrounding the role of nuclear energy in building sustainable energy systems were explored. Topics included the benefits and challenges of integrating nuclear power plants (NPPs), tools in assessing a country’s readiness for nuclear involvement, and identifying the best financial models to ensure revenue and secure financing in emerging markets. The conversation also covered key lessons learned from past experiences with NPP integration into energy systems.
How to embed sustainability in everyday business life to promote a positive change? How to build a sustainable business culture and create a social impact? The topic was explored with Co-Authors of the book Embedding Sustainability (https://www.embeddingsustainability.com) Lisen Wiren and Pia Heidenmark Cook.
Gender equality is still one of the most sensitive topics on the energy transition pathway. What does gender equality imply and why is it so important to take immediate actions? How many generations do we still need to reach gender parity in Central Asia? Why is gender critical? All of these issues were discussed in the episode 5 of CAN SET podcast with Ms. Silvia Sartori, an international sustainable development professional and gender expert.
What does “green” hydrogen mean for the Central Asian “energy” transition? What opportunities and challenges we face on the Central Asian “green” hydrogen pathway? Is hydrogen might be a solution for the water scarcity? Is regional cooperation in “green” hydrogen strategy possible?
All of these questions we discussed with Hydrogenious Dr. Saule Zholdayakova, a leading expert in Green hydrogen, acting Head of the Competence Center for Hydrogen Energy, Head of the Laboratory for the Study of Hydrogen Technologies at Kazmunaygas Engineering, instructor in environmental education, expert in hydrogen energy, graduate of Tokai University, Japan.
“Educate women, educate a generation”(c)
Размышления по вопросам устойчивого энергоперехода в Кыргызской Республике. Какой текущий статус? С какими проблемами сталкивается страна и какие возможности существуют сегодня? Каков потенциал для инвестиций?
Thoughts on sustainable energy transition issues in Kyrgyz Republic. What is the status? What are the challenges that the country face and what are the opportunities? What is the potential for the investments?
Что такое “зеленое” финансирование? Как оно зародилось в Центральной Азии? Каковы проблемы и возможности для развития “зеленого” финансирования в Центральной Азии? Следите за новостями Central Asian Network for Sustainable Energy Transition в Instagram: @can_set_podcast
What is the “green” finance? How did it started in Central Asia? What are the challenges and opportunities for “green” finance development in Central Asia? Follow Central Asian Network for Sustainable Energy Transition for more instagram: @can_set_podcast
