Non-hydro renewable energy in Central Asia

The cost of renewable energy from wind and solar in 2019 plunged to the low levels that few policy-makers anticipated only several years ago. Such technological developments have broad implications for all Central Asian economies. The share of wind and solar energy in the region remained negligible for a long time due to the abundant supply of cheap energy from fossil or hydro resources. Central Asian countries to a different extent remain dependent on consumption, exports, or transit of fossil fuel. While there was obvious progress in renewables elsewhere in the post-Soviet area, Central Asia until recently has not shown adequate levels of interest in developing wind and solar power. Such approach could lead to loss of opportunities in reducing electricity costs and addressing sustainability issues. Governments in the region can seize the opportunities for introducing a more sustainable energy mix during the major modernization and replacement of power generating capacity expected in the coming years. Foreign investors and specialists in installing renewables capacity can benefit from the planned expansions in the wind and solar facilities in Central Asia.