Development of Co-ordinated National Energy Policies (Central Asia)

Project Description

The overall objective of the project is to assist the national governments in Central Asia with the development of national energy policies that are coordinated with the neighbouring countries and reflect the objectives of Partnership and Cooperation Agreements between the EU and the relevant countries. The ultimate goal of the project is to promote the idea of gradually introducing a common market of energy on the Southeast Europe model including an explanation of recent acquis in the area. Enhancing industrial cooperation in the energy sector through technology and know-how transfer will also be aimed at.

Project Objective

• To support the transition to a market economy in Central Asia by assisting the national governments with the development of national energy policies that are coordinated with the neighboring countries and reflect WTO obligations and the objectives of Partnership and Cooperation Agreements between the EU and the relevant countries
• To promote the idea of gradually introducing a common market of energy built on the South-East Europe model including an explanation of the recent acquits in the area.
• To enhance industrial cooperation in the energy sector through technology and know-how transfer.

Specific Objectives

• harmonization of short, medium and long term national energy policies that are of common interest for the countries of the region with a view to long term harmonization with the EU standards
• building process established towards the development of a common energy market
• preparation of feasibility study for establishing a EU - Central Asia Energy Technology and Know-how Transfer Center to stimulate industrial cooperation.

Expected Results

The expected results were as follows:
• Short, medium and long-term action plans are prepared for the regulatory changes at national level to harmonize the technical standards and practices, in accordance with EU best practice and standards;
• Regionally coordinated national regulations and legislations including development of national legislative frameworks for harmonized revenue making mechanisms from energy distribution and transit are prepared. Relevant changes are proposed by the project to the existing regulations for environmental protection, trade, transportation, safety of infrastructures and internal supply needs, including also energy saving and energy efficiency;
• Relevant assistance is provided to strengthen the capacity of national governments to develop coordinated energy policies. A regional forum for discussion of coordinated national energy policies and regulations is established. The principles of a common energy market are explained with all major stakeholders including a visit to Brussels and South East Europe. A draft treaty is to be prepared and discussed including a step by step approach to achieve this objective;
• A relevant assistance is provided in setting up regulations to improve the regulatory authority mechanisms.
• A study is conducted on the feasibility and viability of an EU-Central Asia Energy Technology and Know-how Transfer Centre.
• Relevant ad hoc advice is provided to the EC Delegation with regard to energy policy and industry cooperation between the EU and the countries of the region of Central Asia.