Central Asia in the Energy Transition
Svante E. Cornell and Brenda Shaffer
December 4, 2024.
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The United States, Europe, the United Nations and more are promoting a top-down energy transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy, which shows no signs of emergence. Under this scenario, Europe and the global market are likely to maintain demand for the energy riches of Central Asia for many decades to come. The gas market of Central Asia itself requires additional gas volumes as well. In order to lower carbon emissions and air pollution and improve public health in Central Asia, the ideal policy in the region is increased access to natural gas that can replace the widespread burning of biomass and lump coal. Current European policies promote expanding electrification and is leading to a new look at nuclear energy. Accordingly, the uranium deposits of Central Asia have become of high commercial and geopolitical interest.
Register for our 16 December Webinar: Central Asia in the Energy Transition
The United States, Europe, and the United Nations are driving a global shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy, though progress has been slow. Central Asia’s oil, gas, uranium, and green hydrogen resources are expected to remain vital for Europe and global energy security for years to come. Within Central Asia, a shift to cleaner natural gas and nuclear energy is anticipated to replace coal-fired power, reducing environmental harm. Europe’s push for electrification has also renewed focus on nuclear energy, increasing the strategic and commercial value of Central Asia’s uranium deposits.
Svante Cornell and Brenda Shaffer of the Central Asia Caucasus Institute will present their paper on Central Asia in the Energy Transition in virtual event at 10 am EST on 16 December 2024.
The Burgut Expert Talk series is a cooperation between the Times of Central Asia and the American Foreign Policy Council’s Central Asia – Caucasus Institute that aims to enrich the discourse on Central Asia in hopes of unlocking the region’s value.
PANELISTS:
Brenda Shaffer, Nonresident Senior Fellow, Global Energy Center
Svante E. Cornell, Senior Fellow for Eurasia, American Foreign Policy Council
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