This regional operational session will examine the vast potential of deeper regional electricity interconnections and cross-border energy trade, focusing on the Central and West Asia region and its growing ties with neighboring markets, including Europe. In response to increasing energy demand and the global push for clean, affordable power, the session will highlight a unified regional vision centered on renewables and collaborative infrastructure development. By enhancing both intra-regional connectivity and external links, countries in Central and West Asia can unlock opportunities to strengthen energy security, build system resilience, and accelerate economic cooperation. Key initiatives to be featured include the Black Sea and Caspian Sea subsea cable projects and the Central Asia Power System (CAPS), alongside evolving regulatory pathways for accessing European electricity markets. Panel discussions will explore not only the geopolitical and technical dimensions of these efforts but also the financial and policy foundations needed to ensure their long-term success. The perspectives from institutions such as ADB, AIIB, and the World Bank will add depth to the dialogue.

The second portion of the session will shift to national experiences and priorities, with representatives from Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic and Uzbekistan offering updates on their clean energy agendas and cross-border connectivity plans. The conversation will spotlight countries like Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan, which are rapidly advancing large-scale solar and wind projects to meet domestic needs and develop clean energy export capacity. Simultaneously, significant hydropower initiatives such as Kambarata in the Kyrgyz Republic is positioned to support both grid stability and green exports. As these national efforts increasingly align with regional mega-projects, the session will underline a growing convergence around a shared vision: a resilient, decarbonized, and interconnected regional electricity network powered by clean energy.