SCO: Expanding energy sector partnerships

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is not only the largest international structure but also a giant market uniting producers, transit countries, and consumers of energy resources. With SCO countries comprising about a quarter of the global GDP, the relevance of new key directions in the energy sector is increasing. These include establishing an energy system, developing hydrogen energy, exploring energy resource conservation, and enhancing energy efficiency. These and other areas of partnership among SCO member states are detailed in the Strategy for the Development of Energy Cooperation until 2030, jointly agreed upon and recently approved in Astana at the initiative of Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. The strategy also outlines prospects for developing energy resource transit and opportunities to diversify export routes, modernize traditional energy sources, and advance innovative technologies in renewable energy. A successful example of cooperation in this field within the SCO space is the trilateral agreement signed in June this year between Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and the Kyrgyz Republic. It envisages preparations for the implementation of the Kambarata-1 Hydropower Plant construction and operation project.

«With World Bank guarantees, we are set to commence construction soon. The feasibility study is currently being updated, with an estimated budget of $4.5-5 billion and a capacity of 1,860 MW. This Central Asian project aims to address both energy and water challenges,» Kyrgyz Minister of Energy Taalaibek Ibraev said.