A report co-authored by an SEI expert, using SEI’s flagship energy modelling tools, finds that improved energy connectivity in Central Asia can save the region at least USD 1.4 billion annually by 2050.
While Central Asia has a vast potential to develop large-scale renewable energy systems, it remains heavily reliant on fossil fuels. This paradigm is increasingly challenged by the imperative of decarbonization and rapidly growing energy demand in the region.
Some integration of energy systems exists among Central Asian countries, but the region’s infrastructure is not prepared for a transition to low-carbon energy and real-time power trading across borders. Significant investment and increased governmental cooperation are needed to improve the reliability of electricity grids and other channels for energy trade, which would, in turn, bring economic and environmental benefits to the region.
This report, headed by the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), explores the benefits of greater energy connectivity across the region. SEI used its flagship energy modelling tools, LEAP and NEMO, to provide the scenario modelling for the report. The analysis finds that greater integration of energy systems among Central Asian countries would:
Tool / The Low Emissions Analysis Platform (LEAP) is a powerful, versatile system for energy planning and climate change mitigation assessment.
Tool / The Next Energy Modeling system for Optimization (NEMO) is a high-performance, open-source optimization tool designed to answer energy policy questions.
Feature / SEI researchers trained Thai energy planners in LEAP and NEMO as part of the country's efforts to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2065.
Press release / SEI's LEAP, an integrated tool for energy, climate mitigation and air pollution planning, is now available at no charge to target users in 146 countries.
Feature / A wide slate of new features makes LEAP easier to use and more comprehensive than ever for energy modelling, policymaking and research.
