The EDB brings together Central Asian regulators to develop coordinated approaches to renewable energy financing
Issyk-Kul, 6 October 2025 – The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) Academy has held a specialised workshop titled Renewable Energy Development in Central Asian Countries. The event aimed to develop coordinated solutions to support a successful energy transition and balanced energy system development. It took place from 1 to 3 October 2025, bringing together over 40 participants from six countries.
A distinctive feature of the workshop was its cross-sectoral format. The platform united experts responsible for energy policy, budget planning and investment mobilisation, ensuring a comprehensive approach to the challenges of sustainable energy development.
Special attention was given to the exchange of practical knowledge and regional cooperation in the following key areas for renewable energy development in Central Asia:
§ Financial mechanisms and pricing: Participants examined effective renewable energy financing models, from Kazakhstan’s auction system to public–private partnership instruments applied in Uzbekistan.
§ Localisation of equipment manufacturing: The discussions emphasised the importance of developing regional value chains to reduce capital costs and stimulate industrial growth.
§ Demand management: Participants explored market-based approaches to shaping a new culture of electricity consumption.
§ Risk minimisation: The EDB presented a range of instruments available for renewable energy financing, including project finance, investment lending, guarantees and letters of credit.
“Central Asia has enormous potential in the renewable energy sector. This potential will be best realised through coordinated efforts among the region’s countries. There is also a need for a balanced approach to energy system development, where different types of energy contribute to the sustainability of the energy balance. This workshop showed that countries have accumulated considerable experience. Regulators are ready to share best practices. We need to communicate more – and the EDB will support that,” said Evgeny Vinokurov, Chief Economist at the EDB.
In a separate session, the Bank’s management and its business partners presented jointly implemented renewable energy projects – the Bishkek Solar Power Plant, the Kulanak HPP and the Karaganda Region Wind Farm – showcasing the Bank’s approach to developing the region’s energy sector.
The EDB Academy is an educational initiative of the Bank aimed at strengthening the competencies of government officials from EDB member countries, as well as its business partners, in project finance, investment market instruments, development banking, sustainable development and other areas.
Additional Information:
The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) is a multilateral development bank investing in Eurasia. For more than 19 years, the Bank has worked to strengthen and expand economic ties and foster comprehensive development in its member countries. By July 2025, the EDB’s cumulative portfolio comprised 319 projects with a total investment of US $19.1 billion. The portfolio consists principally of projects with an integration effect in transport infrastructure, digital systems, green energy, agriculture, manufacturing and mechanical engineering. The Bank adheres to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and ESG principles in its operations.
The EDB is implementing three mega-projects as part of its 2022–2026 Strategy: the Central Asian Water and Energy Complex, the Eurasian Transport Network and the Eurasian Agricultural Goods Distribution System.
The EDB Media Centre:
+7 (727) 244 40 44, ext. 6148 and 2160
