Reforming of the energy sector is one of the most urgent issues in the overwhelming majority of the post-Soviet countries. In this regard, an introduction of the international standards is among key points.
A number of projects devoted to the improvement of energy management have been implemented in the post-Soviet space. The Southern Gas Corridor project is one of them. Maros Shefovic, Vice President of the European Commission on Energy Union Affairs had discussed a multifaceted cooperation between Azerbaijan and the EU with Parviz Shahbazov, Minister of Energy of Azerbaijan during the recent meeting in Brussels. In particular, he emphasized on important role of the Southern Gas Corridor project in ensuring the energy security of Europe. It was also stressed that a long-term cooperation with the structures of the European Union contributed to the modernization of the energy infrastructure of Azerbaijan, as well as the improvement of legislation in this area. The preparations for the next ministerial meeting within the framework of the Advisory Council on the Southern Gas Corridor have already begun.
A significant progress is noticeable in Uzbekistan, where a World Bank assists the industrial enterprises with introduction of the international energy management standards. A workshop focusing on this issue had been recently organized in Tashkent by the World Bank and the Ministry of Economy of Uzbekistan. An event was attended by more than 50 participants representing authorities, state companies, large industrial enterprises etc. The World Bank and the Ministry of Economy of Uzbekistan jointly launched the Pilot Program on Implementation of an Energy Management System in March 2016, as a part of the World Bank’s industrial energy efficiency assistance program. So experts of the World Bank and representatives of industrial enterprises involved in the Pilot Program were able to inform the workshop participants about its results. For instance, the implementation of Energy Management System, along with modernization investments helped one of the oldest cement producers in Uzbekistan JSC “Bekabadcement” to achieve reduction in gas and electricity consumption by 26% and 2%, respectively. A project is aimed at the efficient energy use that will help to tackle climate change and conserve resources.
A number of projects on energy management to be established in Eastern Europe. According to report of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, it could launch Ukraine Public Sector Energy Efficiency Framework to provide loans to the municipal energy management companies under local guarantees. A total amount of the project is 100 million euro. The board of directors plans to consider Ukraine Public Sector Energy Efficiency Framework on December 13 and start its implementation in Kremenchuk.
The European Union remains one of the key partners of post-Soviet countries in the energy sector. An implementation of joint projects promotes an introduction of the international standards into its functioning.
