Changes in weather patterns and extreme conditions due to climate change have severe implications for the energy sector. Such changes can disrupt and affect the energy supply, oil and gas production, and power distribution, among other things. As such, the energy infrastructure in most Central Asian countries is highly sensitive to climate change impacts. The Central Asia region also remains the most energy-inefficient in the world both in terms of production and consumption. Yet, energy demand in the region is expected to rise by 2030 with fossil fuels being the prime source of energy production. In fact, Tajikistan, along with a few other central Asian countries, has huge potential to generate power using hydro and thermal power.
CDKN is partnering with the World Bank’s Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP) to tackle these issues. Building on ESMAP’s existing work and expertise in the region, CDKN is supporting two new studies focusing on Central Asia. The first study will explore Tajikistan’s energy sector’s vulnerability to climate change impacts. The second one will take a regional approach and will highlight the likely impacts of climate change on Central Asia’s energy sector. Since power supply in the Central Asian countries are connected via transboundary rivers (used for hydropower generation) and interconnected grids, it is important to understand the potential impacts of climate change at national and regional levels.