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Charting the path towards implementing the Paris Agreement Progress in Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia POLICY PERSPECTIVES

GREEN

ACTION TASK FORCE

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This overview of progress in implementing the Paris Agreement in the countries of Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia was prepared for the October 2021 Annual Meeting of the GREEN Action Task Force, which is hosted by the OECD. The opinions expressed and the arguments employed herein do not necessarily reflect the official views of OECD member countries. This document and any map included herein are without prejudice to the status of or sovereignty over any territory, to the delimitation of international frontiers and boundaries and to the name of any territory, city or area.

Acknowledgements The OECD gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety. The country profiles were prepared by Isabella Neuweg, Douglas Herrick and Miriam Privarova of the OECD Environment Directorate and the GREEN Action Task Force Secretariat. Lupita Johanson prepared the document for publication. The authors are thankful to in-country experts who have helped with providing and verifying some of the information on national developments: Malkhaz Adeishvili, Etenesh Asfaw, Almazbek Azimov, Olena Maslyukivska, Mihail Roscovan and Kamran Rzayev.

Photo credits: Cover @Shutterstock/ Roman Mikhailiuk

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State of play: Ahead of COP 26 several EECCA countries are ratcheting up their ambition on climate change and other environmental challenges Ahead of the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP26), the GREEN Action Task Force1 hosted by the OECD took stock of where mitigation and adaptation policies stand in the countries of Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia (EECCA) as of October 2021. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, many EECCA countries have continued to advance the green economy agenda in 2020 and 2021, including through updates to their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement. The Paris Agreement calls on countries to revise their NDCs every five years and to ‘ratchet up’ the ambition of emission reduction targets with each successive submission. Table 1 presents an overview per country of the submission status of NDC updates as well as related targets and strategies to reduce national emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. Figure 1 shows the dynamics across the region. Most EECCA countries with fully developed NDC updates have raised the level of ambition of their mitigation and adaptation targets. Four EECCA countries, including three of the largest economies in the region, have also committed to net-zero targets and have developed or begun developing long-term low-emission development strategies (LT-LEDS). LT-LEDS are tools that trace the long-term structural changes necessary for a given country to transition towards a low-carbon, resilient economy usually but not always by mid-century (i.e. 2050). Most countries have also begun the process of formulating National Adaptation Plans (NAPs).

Table 1. Status of NDC updates, net-zero targets and NAPs in EECCA countries Country

Updated NDC?

Increased ambition in updated NDC?

Net-zero target? (sectors, year)

LT-LEDS?

Measures to formulate and implement NAP?

Armenia

Submitted

Yes (economywide, 2050)

Azerbaijan Belarus Georgia

Update under development Update under discussion Submitted

Yes (set 2030 target, maintained 2050 target) Unclear Unclear Yes

No No No

3 0 1

Kazakhstan

Update drafted and under review

Kyrgyzstan

Yes

Moldova Tajikistan Turkmenistan Ukraine

Update drafted and approved by the government Submitted Update under development Update under development Submitted

Yes (economywide, 2060) No

No No Nearing finalisation Under development No

Yes Unclear Unclear Yes

No No No Yes (2018)

9 3 2 0

Uzbekistan

Update under development

Unclear

Under discussion

No No No Yes (economywide, 2060) Yes (energy, 2050)

1 3

Note: The UNFCCC’s annual summary of progress on NAPs tracks 23 measures in the process of formulating and implementing a NAP. Source: Compiled by the authors based on material below.

The GREEN Action Task Force is the body composed of country representatives from the OECD and the region of Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia. The OECD Environment Directorate acts as its secretariat.

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Figure 1. Progress on NDC developments and net-zero targets across the EECCA region 8

Yes

Number of countries

Unclear

Under development or in review

6 5 4 3 2 1 0

Updated NDC

Increased ambition

Net-zero target

Note: For simplicity’s sake, NDCs that are under discussion or have been approved, but not submitted are included in “Under development or in review”. Source: Compiled by the authors based on material below.

In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing economic downturn, EECCA countries have also revised or replaced strategic planning documents. The short country profiles below summarise national processes under the UNFCCC and changes, both enacted and proposed, to existing strategies as well as new strategies aimed at supporting the economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Where possible, the focus of these profiles is on the plausible environmental impacts of these changes.

Box 1. Ways to accelerate the transition The International Energy Agency’s World Economic Outlook 2021 shows that a lot more needs to be done by governments to align and strengthen their 2030 goals to avoid dangerous climate change. Accelerating climate action is challenging for most countries and especially for those with economies dependent on non-renewable resources, notably fossil fuels and minerals. In countries where gross domestic product (GDP) relies heavily on fossil fuels, such as Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, falling demand for fossil fuels, in combination with policy pressure to reduce GHG emissions, would increase the urgency to diversify their economies and to transition these sectors towards cleaner energy sources. For countries where minerals contribute substantially to GDP, such as Armenia, the Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan, abating emissions from mining could contribute significantly to overall emissions reductions. To achieve such objectives, these countries will need to develop targeted policies in areas including fiscal and tax policy, financial, energy, and mining sector regulation, and low-carbon technology, while keeping a strong focus on equity aspects of the transition. Putting a price on carbon and reducing fossil fuel subsidies can create fiscal space and encourages more sustainable consumption and production patterns. Multilateral development banks and other international development partners often play a key role in backing pilot programmes and supporting the scale-up of ‘green’ solutions. As explored in a series of EECCA case studies for the 2021 Annual Meeting of the GREEN Action Task Force, international partners act as important catalysts for transformative actions in the region.

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5 Armenia Armenia’s updated NDC (submitted in May 2021) sets a new mitigation target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40% compared to 1990 levels by 2030 and aims to double the share of renewables in energy generation by 2030. The updated NDC maintains the 2050 net-zero greenhouse gas emissions objective from the country’s first NDC. Armenia receives support from the NDC Partnership under the Climate Action Enhancement Package. The development of a long-term low-emission development strategy is envisioned under the EU4Climate initiative. Both versions included an adaptation component. To advance on the adaptation agenda, Armenia has undertaken 12 of the 23 measures in the process of formulating and implementing a National Adaptation Plan (NAP) (UNFCCC, 2020[1]). During the pandemic, Armenia approved its NAP and a list of measures for 2021-2025. As part of its 21 state support programmes adopted as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Armenia launched an afforestation project to plant willow seedlings in riparian areas, improving climate change resilience and boosting employment with seasonal tree-planting jobs. Through the NDC Partnership, an advisor on greening COVID-19 recovery measures will be stationed in the country’s Ministry of Economy for a 12 month period (EU4Environment, 2021[2]). In August 2021, Armenia unveiled its new Government Programme for 2021-2026, developed in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Program lays out priorities on six policy areas, including infrastructure development and the economy. Many of the proposed infrastructure projects, including highways and other roads, are in line with a business-as-usual mode of development, whereas the economic component focused primarily on raising the minimum wage, reducing poverty and eliminating extreme poverty.

Azerbaijan Azerbaijan’s first NDC sets an emissions reduction target of 35% below 1990 levels by 2030. With support from UNDP under the EU4Climate initiative, an updated NDC is currently under discussion. Azerbaijan has also undertaken 3 out of 23 measures in the process of formulating and implementing a National Adaptation Plan (NAP) (UNFCCC, 2020[1]). Azerbaijan’s Action Plan for the post-COVID period includes a few green measures, including a short-term employment programme dedicated to creating urban green spaces and improvements to solid waste management (EU4Environment, 2021[3]). Azerbaijan has continued to advance the green agenda in parallel. It published an in-depth review of energy efficiency policy, and draft national action plans are under development to improve energy efficiency and renewable energy uptake. In the context of the pandemic, Azerbaijan also adopted a new top-level economic development strategy in early 2021, Azerbaijan 2030: National Priorities for Socio-Economic Development, and is preparing a draft medium-term strategy covering 2021-2025 (Government of Azerbaijan, 2021[4]). Azerbaijan 2030 sets out economic diversification away from hydrocarbons as its first priority. It also calls for the expansion of green spaces across the country and accelerated integration of renewable energy sources into the national energy mix. UNIDO, under the EU4Environment initiative, plans to ramp up engagement with Azerbaijan on resource efficient and cleaner production (RECP) as a response to Azerbaijan 2030 (EU4Environment, 2021[5]).

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6 Belarus Being the only country in the EaP region that did not embrace strict lockdown measures, Belarus adopted several measures to mitigate socio-economic ramifications of the pandemic. Some of these measures seek to support environmental objectives; in the course of 2020, together with the World Bank, the government of Belarus decided to revamp forestry projects in reaction to COVID-19 in order to create more green jobs. In December 2020, the country’s National Assembly discussed the Sustainable Development Strategy to 2035, which will align with and foster implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Belarus’s first NDC aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 28 percent from the level in 1990 by 2030; its second NDC is under development. The country does not have a net-zero target, nor has it begun to develop a National Adaptation Plan. Given the relative lack of local energy sources and reliance on imports, Belarus might be able to expand its domestic energy supply and boost energy security through increased deployment of renewable energy technologies. Apart from directly reducing emissions, higher renewable energy deployment could help local value creation including employment opportunities and contribute to the green transition. With the considerable share of investment having been facilitated via international capital, the local financing sector is not very experienced in green financing. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency the equity and debt financing for renewable energy projects in Belarus is scant (IRENA, 2021[6]). Therefore, clear financial sector policies including fostering small-scale financing should be developed and green financing within the sector prioritised. Since the energy productivity of Belarus stands well below the EU levels, there is a scope for improvement in terms of reduction of emissions, energy efficiency and energy processes. This will be essential for the industrial sector that accounts for 36% of the final energy consumption (IRENA, 2021[6]) which accounts for a significantly higher share than in the EU (25.5%) (European Environment Agency, 2021[7]). The welldeveloped nature of Belarusian industrial sector places a substantial pressure on the environment. Thus, the key environmental priorities of the country are to reduce industrial and municipal waste as well as decrease water and air pollution especially from industrial sources. With the country’s industry accounting for 37% of GDP and about one third of employment, more resource-efficient attitude would make the economy of Belarus more competitive (EU4Environment, 2020[8]).

Georgia Released in February 2021, the Georgian government’s “Programme for 2021 – 2024 Towards Building a European State” identifies environmental protection, sustainability and rational use of natural resources as priorities to be addressed. Concrete actions laid out in the Programme include a separate waste collection system nationwide along with furthering waste recycling, expansion of water and ambient air quality monitoring, extension of the protected areas and creation of ecotourism infrastructure. It also aims to continuing approximation of environmental standards with EU requirements as well as to raise environmental awareness, including through the promotion of environmental education. Within the scope of the Unified Rural Development Policy, the governmental program also foresees perpetuation and boost of greenhouse co-financing measures along with the promotion of the sustainable development of aquaculture in inland and marine waters. In 2021, Georgia updated its NDC and committed itself to an unconditional target of reducing emissions by 35 % below their 1990 level by 2030 as well as a conditional target of 50-57%. Given that 43.5% of the country’s territory is covered by forests, the updated NDC also targets maintaining and increasing the GHG absorption capacities of the forests by 10% compared to 2015. The updated NDC also sets a target of reducing emissions from the transport sector by 15% (Government of Georgia, 2021[9]). Georgia receives support from the NDC Partnership under the Climate Action Enhancement Package.

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7 Georgia’s 2030 Climate Strategy, developed over the course of 2020 and adopted in 2021, also aims to reduce demand for fossil fuels in the transport sector through the promotion of environmentally friendly fuels, including biofuels. It aims to increase the proportion of fuels from renewable sources in total fuel consumption in the transport sector to 10% by 2030. To support the Climate Strategy’s goal of increasing the share of renewables in Georgia’s power generation mix, 130 Memoranda of Understanding have been signed. The Strategy also foresees the development of data-based waste management system along with the improvement in the systematic methodology of the existing waste management database. The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources released its vision for Environmental Protection and Rural Development 2030, which emphasises the importance of decreasing the water, air and soil pollution, coupled with the expansion and management of protected territories.

Kazakhstan In late 2020, Kazakhstan pledged to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. The development of a long-term low-emission development strategy in line with this objective and a new ‘Doctrine’ is nearly completed with support from GIZ and UNDP (International Climate Initiative, 2021[10]). Kazakhstan has also drafted an update to its first NDC, which is currently under review and awaiting approval. In the current draft, Kazakhstan’s emissions reduction targets remain identical to those in its original 2016 NDC: an unconditional target to decrease emissions by 15% below 1990 levels by 2030, or by 25% conditional on international support (Government of Kazakhstan, 2021[11]). Kazakhstan has also undertaken 1 of the 23 measures in the process of formulating and implementing a National Adaptation Plan (NAP) (UNFCCC, 2020[1]). In May 2020, Kazakhstan adopted a Comprehensive Plan for Revitalising Growth by the end of 2020, later revised to the end of 2021. The Plan contains no identifiably ‘green’ measures, focusing predominantly on shoring up macroeconomic stability and supporting small businesses and the agricultural sector, but a handful of measures could potentially have negative environmental consequences. For instance, fossil fuel producers have been given temporary rights to flare gas in cases where oil wells are not sufficiently equipped with infrastructure to extract the gas for future use, provided that cuts are not made to jobs or social benefits. While this social conditionality is desirable and gas flaring (releasing CO2) is preferable to venting (releasing methane), without additional environmental safeguards the measure’s impact could be negative. Another measure, which recognises cryptocurrency mining as an entrepreneurial activity and aims to make Kazakhstan a hub for the industry, could also be potentially harmful given the energyintensive nature of cryptocurrency mining and the predominance of fossil fuels in Kazakhstan’s current energy mix (Government of Kazakhstan, 2021[12]). Implementation of pre-pandemic green economy and economic development strategies (Concept for the Transition to a Green Economy, Kazakhstan-2030 and Kazakhstan-2050) has continued at pace during the pandemic. For instance, in July 2020, a new action plan covering 2021-2030 was adopted to guide the implementation of the Concept for the Transition to a Green Economy. It includes measures supporting energy efficiency, uptake of gas- and electric-powered vehicles, the transition from coal to gas in the power supply of major cities (i.e. Almaty, Nur-Sultan, Shymkent), improved waste management and the preservation of natural capital (Government of Kazakhstan, 2021[13]).

Kyrgyzstan Kyrgyzstan submitted its first NDC to the UNFCCC in 2020, and an updated NDC was adopted following interagency consultations in late 2021 for submission to the UNFCCC at COP26. The updated NDC sets accelerated mitigation targets (16.63% unconditional and 36.61% conditional targets by 2025 in the updated NDC compared to 12.67-15.67% unconditional and 35.06-36.75% conditional targets by 2050 in

8 the original). It also highlights the adoption of a low-carbon development strategy and a National Adaptation Plan (NAP) as key next steps in Kyrgyzstan’s climate change efforts (UNDP, 2021[14]). Kyrgyzstan has undertaken 3 of the 23 measures in the process of formulating and implementing a NAP (UNFCCC, 2020[1]). Kyrgyzstan receives support from the NDC Partnership under the Climate Action Enhancement Package. The government is finalising a draft Programme on Combating Coronavirus Infection for 2021-2023, combining emergency response measures and longer-term recovery initiatives. The interdepartmental meetings leading to its development did not include representatives of the government’s environmental body, the State Ecology and Climate Committee. Most of the measures under consideration focus on the immediate health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and supporting vulnerable populations, small businesses and the agriculture sector. A small number of measures could have positive environmental cobenefits, notably the installation of drip irrigation systems in agricultural areas and a commitment to gradually reduce cross-financing and energy subsidies. The draft Programme also identifies priority infrastructure projects in various sectors: energy (e.g. rehabilitation of existing hydroelectric power plants, constructions of small hydro power plants and transmission infrastructure), transport (e.g. modernisation and expansion of airports, including Bishkek’s Manas International Airport, and the construction of several highways) and water supply and sanitation. With the exception of much-needed water supply and sanitation infrastructure and refurbishments of existing assets, these investment projects largely align with business-as-usual development, and the lack of energy diversification could further entrench pre-existing problems with the seasonality of Kyrgyzstan’s hydro-dominated energy mix. Kyrgyzstan is developing its medium-term development strategy for 2021-2026, with recovery from the COVID-19 crisis as one of its primary objectives. One of the country’s goals is to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, notably the capital Bishkek’s coal-fired combined heat and power plant, by further developing its hydroelectric generation capacity as well as decentralising and electrifying heat generation. Following development of international transmission lines, Kyrgyzstan aims to export electricity to Afghanistan and Pakistan via Tajikistan through the CASA-1000 Power Transmission and Trade project as well as to western regions of China. Kyrgyzstan also plans to ensure that all imported fuel complies with the EURO5 standard by 2022. Government press releases indicate that the document will incorporate the ideas of the National Development Strategy 2018-2040, adopted under the previous administration. The strategy’s relation to and alignment with the Green Economy Strategy (2019-2023), also adopted under the previous administration, remains unclear.

Moldova Moldova submitted its revised NDC in March 2020, which raised its initial 64-67% unconditional mitigation target to 70% (both compared to 1990 levels by 2030). Its conditional target also increased from 78% to 88%. On the adaptation agenda, Moldova published a Readiness and Preparatory Support report in 2020 with the support of the UNDP as a part of the National Adaptation Planning (NAP) process. The NAP-2 cycle is designed to help the Moldovan government continue to enhance its capacity to address the country’s long-term vulnerabilities to climate change in its national priority sectors, with specific focus laid on the agriculture sector. Moldova has undertaken 9 of the 23 measures in the process of formulating and implementing a NAP (UNFCCC, 2020[1]). Approved by the government of Moldova in June 2020, the National Development Strategy “Moldova 2030” includes the promotion of environmental objectives. Its environmental objectives include the promotion of green and circular economy, achieving related environmental Sustainable Development Goals and ensuring a fundamental right to health and a safe environment. The strategy was presented to parliament for adoption.

9 Expected to be approved in the beginning of 2022, the new National Strategy for Agricultural and Rural Development 2021-2030 is being finalised by the Ministry of Agriculture, Regional Development and Environment. The priorities mentioned in the strategy include: ensuring environmental protection through agri-environmental schemes, conservation of ecosystems and biodiversity, climate change mitigation, food quality protection and health as well as fostering generational renewal. The adaptation of agricultural producers to climate change is also mentioned as an important objective. In June 2020, a National Greening Programme for SMEs was launched in Moldova by ODIMM (Organisation for Small and Medium Enterprises Sector Development) with the support of EU4Environment. This grants economic incentives to boost SMEs to sustain green actions, lends financial and methodological support to businesses to ameliorate their knowledge and skills associated with efficient use of resources.

Tajikistan Tajikistan submitted its first NDC in 2017, setting an unconditional target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 10-20% compared to 1990 levels by 2030, or up to 25-35% conditional on international support. Since 2019, Tajikistan has received support from the NDC Partnership under the Climate Action Enhancement Package and an updated NDC is under development. Tajikistan has undertaken 3 of the 23 measures in the process of formulating and implementing a National Adaptation Plan (NAP) (UNFCCC, 2020[1]). As part of its continued implementation of its top-level national development strategy, National Development Strategy 2030, Tajikistan developed and adopted a new Medium-Term Development Strategy (2021-2025), the consultations for which took place during the COVID-19 pandemic. Tajikistan has not adopted a post-pandemic economic recovery strategy, but a green economy strategy is under development to guide the implementation of green economy principles in Tajikistan.

Turkmenistan Turkmenistan’s first NDC sets an unconditional target of reducing the greenhouse gas emissions intensity of the economy and a conditional target of plateauing emissions at their current levels. Initial discussions about updating the NDC and preparing the country’s fourth National Communication to the UNFCCC began in early 2021 (United Nations in Turkmenistan, 2021[15]). In parallel, Turkmenistan has undertaken 2 of the 23 measures in the process of formulating and implementing a National Adaptation Plan (NAP) (UNFCCC, 2020[1]). Turkmenistan has not adopted a post-pandemic economic recovery strategy or adopted green growthrelated strategies. In 2020, it adopted the Kigali amendment to the Montreal Protocol and passed a new law on renewable energy. Further legislation on energy efficiency and savings is being drafted.

Ukraine Ukraine submitted its updated NDC in July 2021 with the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to 35% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels and declaring its ambition to attain climate neutrality by no later than 2060. The key provisions to achieve its 2030 objective include the development of renewable energy sources, energy efficiency measures in all sectors of the economy, introduction of a waste management hierarchy, modernisation of industrial and energy enterprises, improved insulation and heating of buildings and expanded forest cover along with a reformed forest management system.

10  The Ukrainian government has started the process of developing an Action Plan for the implementation of the updated NDC. The just and green transition of coal-producing regions away from reliance on the coal industry towards a carbon-neutral economy pose a particular challenge for Ukraine. The Initiative for Coal Regions in Transition in the Western Balkans and Ukraine, a joint programme of the European Commission and several international partners, aims to help coal-dependent countries and regions, including the Donetsk, Luhansk, Lviv and Volyn regions of Ukraine, decarbonise their economies. To this end, in July 2021, the government of Ukraine launched a programme of the just transition of coal regions and announced that the Ukrainian Climate Fund would be established under the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources to fund the necessary measures. In September 2021, the creation of a Platform on Sustainable Finance for Green Transition was also announced. It aims to act as a forum for expediting and coordinating efforts on green financing in Ukraine between IFIs, government bodies, businesses and donors. As part of its State Programme on Economic Stimulus Activities planned for 2020-2022 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic Ukraine emphasised the development of waste management and water supply and sanitation systems. In 2020, the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Resources was re-established as a separate ministry, reversing the merger with the Ministry of Energy under the previous administration. The Ministry adopted an ambitious work plan including industrial pollution reduction, waste management, biodiversity preservation, stronger action on climate change and reform of forestry, fisheries and water resource management (EU4Environment, 2021[16]). Ukraine adopted a new top-level strategic planning document during the pandemic. In March 2021 the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine approved the National Economic Strategy until 2030 with the following expected outcomes: strengthened competitiveness of industrial products produced in Ukraine, the introduction of resource- and energy-efficient technologies and better quality and safety of the environment. The Strategy also highlights a particular need to improve public policy in the field of environmental management and protection, nature management, adaptation to climate change and the transition to the principles of green economy. With the first meeting of the Climate Change Adaptation Working Group having been held in November 2020, Ukraine launched the process of development of the National Adaptation Strategy until 2030 (UNDP, 2020[17]). On 24 January 2020, Government of Ukraine set up an inter-institutional group for coordination the climate change effects under the framework of the European Green Deal, chaired by the Prime Minister of Ukraine (Mission of Ukraine to the European Union, 2021[18]). As a central element of the European Green Deal, the implementation by the EU of the carbon adjustment mechanism (CBAM) is scheduled for 2023. It is recognised that CBAM could limit carbon leakage, but due to the high carbon intensity of Ukraine’s steel and iron production and considering that the EU is the key export destination for these commodities, Ukraine may face greater barriers as a result of the CBAM implementation. The country has weak carbon pricing instruments in place at the moment, but is making efforts to strengthen them. The discussions on how the CBAM could be introduced could also be an opportunity for Ukraine to align its climate policy more quickly with that of the EU and could be an incentive for its carbon-intensive sectors to modernise and increase efficiency.

Uzbekistan Uzbekistan submitted its first NDC in 2017 with a mitigation target to decrease greenhouse gas emissions per unit of GDP by 10% by 2030 compared to 2010 levels and an adaptation focus on the Aral Sea. An updated NDC is under development, but it is unclear how its level of its ambition compares to the 2017 NDC. Uzbekistan has also begun the process of formulating and implementing a National Adaptation Plan (NAP), having undertaken 3 of the 23 measures tracked by the UNFCCC (UNFCCC, 2020[1]).

 11 In early 2021, Uzbekistan set a target to achieve carbon neutrality in its energy sector by 2050. EBRD together with the Ministry of Energy began developing a National Low-Carbon Energy Strategy to guide the country’s decarbonisation. In 2020, the government approved the Concept Note for Ensuring Electricity Supply in Uzbekistan in 2020-2030, envisioning an additional 16.4 GW of generating capacity between 2019 and 2030. While up to 8 GW of new installed capacity will come from renewable energy sources (3 GW from wind farms and 5 GW from solar farms), the Concept Note also includes the addition of 150 MW of new coal generation capacity (Phase Two of the Angren Thermal Power Plant). The Concept Note also supports the phased modernisation of existing coal-fired generators at the Novo-Angren Thermal Power Plant to reduce emissions. Uzbekistan adopted laws on renewable energy sources and public-partner partnerships as well as updated regulations regarding power generation companies to prepare the legislative framework for better renewable energy integration. In terms of implementation, two pilot projects – 100 MW solar photovoltaic plants in Samarkand and Navoi regions – are under construction through public-private partnership arrangements. The new plants should be commissioned by the end of 2021 (Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Uzbekistan, 2020[19]). Uzbekistan is currently developing several green economy-related strategies and analyses with international partners for up to 2030 and beyond. Uzbekistan has a Strategy for the Transition to a Green Economy (approved in 2019), but it currently lacks a roadmap for the implementation of its green economy programme. As such, the country is seeking technical assistance to measure, monitor and evaluate impact of policy measures. Uzbekistan has also set up an Interdepartmental Council for "Green" Economy Promotion and Implementation”.

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 13 Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Uzbekistan (2020[19]), Concept Note for Ensuring Electricity Supply in Uzbekistan in 2020-2030, https://minenergy.uz/en/lists/view/77. Mission of Ukraine to the European Union (2021[18]), European Green Deal, https://ukraineeu.mfa.gov.ua/en/2633-relations/galuzeve-spivrobitnictvo/klimat-yevropejska-zelena-ugoda. UNDP (2021[14]), Nationally Determined Contribution of the Kyrgyz Republic to the Paris Agreement adopted, https://www.kg.undp.org/content/kyrgyzstan/en/home/presscenter/pressreleases/2021/09/ndckg-adopted.html. UNDP (2020[17]), UNDP, EU support Ukrainian government in development of National Adaptation Strategy, https://www.ua.undp.org/content/ukraine/en/home/presscenter/pressreleases/2020/undp--eusupport-ukrainian-government-in-development-of-national.html. UNFCCC (2020[1]), Summary on Progress on NAPs for 2020, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change website, https://www4.unfccc.int/sites/NAPC/Pages/NAPProgress2020.aspx. United Nations in Turkmenistan (2021[15]), ПРООН активно поддерживает в стране стратегические инициативы в области изменения климата, https://turkmenistan.un.org/ru/123046-proon-aktivnopodderzhivaet-v-strane-strategicheskie-iniciativy-v-oblasti-izmeneniya-klimata.

Charting the Path Towards Implementing the Paris Agreement: Progress in Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, most countries of the Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia (EECCA) region have made progress in the planning and implementation of green economy reforms and action on climate change. This document provides a brief overview of the state of play in eleven EECCA countries – Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan – in terms of international commitments (including updates to Nationally Determined Contributions) and domestic green economy reforms and strategy development. The country profiles aim to take stock of actions across the region in the lead-up to the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP26) in Glasgow.

Visit our websites: GREEN Action Task Force www.oecd.org/env/outreach/green-action-task-force/ OECD Coronavirus (COVID-19) Policy Responses Hub www.oecd.org/coronavirus/en/ OECD Environment www.oecd.org/environment/ Join the discussions: @OECD_ENV @OECDeurasia

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