Europe's Bold €12bn Bet on Central Asia's Clean Energy Future!
Brussels, Friday, 4 April 2025.
The EU’s €12bn investment aims to spark a clean energy revolution in Central Asia, harnessing solar, wind, and geothermal power and potentially transforming the region into a green energy hub.
A Historic Partnership Emerges
I’m witnessing a transformative moment in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, where the first-ever EU-Central Asia Summit has just unveiled an ambitious vision for the region’s energy future. The European Union has announced a €12 billion Global Gateway Investment Package [1][3], marking a decisive shift in how Europe engages with Central Asia. This isn’t just another funding announcement - it’s a carefully crafted strategy that recognizes each country’s unique energy potential: Kazakhstan’s wind resources, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan’s solar capabilities, and the hydroelectric possibilities in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan [1].
Critical Resources and Strategic Interests
The stakes couldn’t be higher - Central Asia holds an astounding 38.6% of the world’s manganese ore deposits [3]. As I analyze the details, it’s clear this partnership goes beyond energy. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasizes that ‘reliable partners have never been so important’ [3]. The EU isn’t just here for resources - they’re promising to develop local industries and create sustainable value chains [3]. This approach stands in stark contrast to other global players’ strategies in the region [4].
Investment Breakdown and Future Plans
The €12 billion package has been thoughtfully allocated: €3 billion for transport, €2.5 billion for critical raw materials, and €6.4 billion for climate initiatives [3]. But here’s what makes this truly exciting - an Investors Forum is planned later this year in Uzbekistan [1], and they’re establishing a new European Bank for Reconstruction and Development office in Tashkent [5]. These aren’t just promises - they’re concrete steps toward creating a sustainable energy corridor between Europe and Central Asia.
Supporting Regional Transition
The transition is already gaining momentum. German-based Svevind is developing green hydrogen projects in Kazakhstan’s Mangystau Region, while Tajikistan has set an ambitious target to produce 1 million tonnes of green hydrogen by 2040 [1]. The EU’s commitment includes supporting local development, with projects like the €1.6 billion investment at the Almalyk copper mine in Uzbekistan already underway [1]. These initiatives demonstrate how the region is positioning itself as a crucial player in the global clean energy transition.