The Hidden Renewable Energy in Central Asia

 The burning of dung, wood, and lump coal is a major source of air pollution and a significant threat to human health, often classified as “renewable energy” in reports. Over two billion people lack consistent access to modern energy sources, with most of these individuals residing in sub-Saharan Africa. In regions like Central Asia, there is a stark contrast in energy access between urban and rural areas, despite high human development in cities. Up to a third of Central Asia's population depends on traditional energy sources due to unreliable or costly electricity. Improving access to modern energy, particularly natural gas, is crucial for enhancing health and reducing air pollution.

Access to energy is essential for daily life, but without modern options, people rely on biomass and other gathered materials. In 2022, global electricity access actually declined for the first time since World War II, forcing more people back to traditional energy sources and increasing health risks and pollution. Traditional energy reliance is often underreported, with organizations like the International Energy Agency (IEA) inaccurately classifying traditional burning as renewable energy, leading to misleading statistics about energy consumption and workforce participation.

In Central Asia, while overall development and electricity access are high, traditional energy use remains prevalent. For example, in Kazakhstan, 30% of households burn coal or wood for heat, contributing significantly to air pollution. The situation is worse in Kyrgyzstan, where half of the households rely on burning lump coal or dung, resulting in the highest lung disease mortality rates in the world. Tajikistan similarly struggles with high levels of traditional energy use, although exact figures are not well-documented.

Despite funding available for renewable energy projects, little support is directed toward transitioning to cleaner fuels like natural gas. The World Bank and G-7 have ceased funding for fossil fuel energy, pushing countries towards renewables that may not meet their needs, especially in regions with harsh winters. The disconnect between Western energy policies and Central Asian realities places people's health at risk as they resort to traditional fuels that are more accessible and affordable than modern electricity.

While the IEA suggests heat pumps as a solution, the reality is that many in Central Asia continue to burn coal or wood because it is cheaper. These suggestions often overlook local circumstances, and many cannot afford modern heating solutions. Central Asia has abundant natural gas resources, which, if used properly, could help reduce reliance on harmful traditional energy. The restrictions on fossil fuel support from the West have unintended consequences, perpetuating dependency on dirty fuels and demonstrating that renewable energy isn't always synonymous with health. The lack of funding for natural gas reinforces this reliance on less safe energy sources in Central Asia. 

https://wattsupwiththat.com/2025/01/24/the-hidden-renewable-energy-in-central-asia/