The conference on “Best practices in Energy Co-operation” (Dushanbe, 17 June 2014) was dedicated to the Energy, one of the priority sectors of the economy in Tajikistan.
Energy today is one of the main factors in the economic development. As an integral part of the vital support system of a country, it has taken a strong role in improving human life quality. Decisions made in this area have a relevant impact on the society and its interests.
The decision-making process in energy sector requires the consideration of different points of view and expert opinions, for this reason it’s important to involve and engage in discussion the largest number of potential actors as possible, including Governments, Agencies, civil society and international organizations.
Many qualified and comprehensive presentations and discussions on different aspects of the energy sector took place during the Conference.
An overview of the energy sector in Central Asian countries, Afghanistan and Mongolia was presented, with a special focus on the current regulatory framework to attract investments.
Participants shared their experiences in promoting sustainable energy and regional initiatives in the use of different sources of renewable energy. Several interventions highlighted the development of renewable energy sector through the establishment and implementation of proper legal framework and the overcoming of institutional and financial barriers.
Several presentations emphasized the high hydropower potential of the Central Asian countries, Tajikistan in particular. The utilization of renewable energy, especially hydropower, is in line with the international strategy to develop a "Green Economy”.
Almost all the speakers talked about the need to develop energy sector taking into account the environment protection.
The discussion was also focused on problems and possibilities of generation and transmission of electricity in the region, as well as the development of a regional energy market. Another relevant aspect of the Conference was the presentation of successful investment projects in the energy sector supported by international cooperation in the Central Asian region and in other neighboring countries.
Numerous presentations highlighted the strategic role of electricity transmission lines across energy surplus countries in Central Asia and energy–deficit countries in South Asia. In this context, particular attention was devoted to regional projects, including the future high voltage transmission line across Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan (CASA-1000).
The final session of the conference was dedicated to the concepts of energy security and energy diplomacy, and their application in Central Asia. The need for the implementation of a regional integrated approach in addressing energy security in Central Asia was emphasized.
It was stressed that the high energy potential should be the basis for increasing energy security in Central Asia, as well as the core for sustainable economic development of the region and the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.
The OSCE proposed to establish an Energy Diplomacy Center in Tajikistan under the auspices of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan and with the support of the OSCE Office in Tajikistan.
Objectives and functions of the Center are presented in the attached concept note.
There were several recommendations on how to improve the confidence of stakeholders in cooperate within the regional energy market. In particular, it was suggested:
a) Assimilation of regional commercial system of energy accounting;
b) Develop and agree on a tariff methodology for the supply and transit of electricity;
c) Provide services for power regulation;
d) Develop and agree upon a mechanism for resolving issues of cross-border exchanges.
Participants recommended a regional approach to ensure energy security through dialogue and cooperation.
Indeed, dialogue and co-operation were considered to be the most important ways for addressing organizational problematic related to the regional energy market and energy security more generally.
Participants emphasized that co-operation should be based on fundamental principles such as sovereign equality, mutual cooperation and good neighborly relations. In addition, co-operation should take place in good faith, with due regard to international agreements.
The proposal of an Energy Diplomacy Center in Dushanbe was positively accepted, and it was noted that this center could be an effective tool to identify ways to achieve energy security. It was also noted that the proposed Energy Diplomacy Center could contribute to the sustainable development of the region.
The conference participants emphasized the complexity of energy sector in Central Asia and noted that in order to improve the actual situation and solve relevant problems connected to the sector, the countries of the region should adhere to the following principles:
1. Willingness for dialogue;
2. Mutual confidence/trust in addressing issues;
3. Mutual understanding and mutual interests;
4. Willingness for cooperation and collaboration.
In conclusion, the participants expressed appreciation to the Government of Tajikistan and to the OSCE Office in Tajikistan for their commitment to improve energy sector at regional level.