On February 16, 2023, we proudly launched the Solar Universities seminar series, focusing on “The Global Energy Transition.” Designed for professors and students from Central Asia and the Caucasus, this series brings together academic institutions, industry stakeholders, and renewable energy experts to foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing on one of the most pressing challenges of our time—the energy transition.
Key Objectives
Global Perspective: Exploring the latest trends and innovations in the global energy transition.
Regional Insights: Addressing the unique challenges and opportunities for renewables in Central Asia and the Caucasus.
Networking and Collaboration: Creating a strong inter-university network to drive the renewable energy transition across borders.
Highlights from the Launch Seminar
The first session was hosted by Prof. emer. Alexander Kiryuchin, a renowned expert in renewable energy. He provided an in-depth overview of:
- Global Trends: Current advancements in renewable energy technologies and global strategies for transitioning to clean energy systems.
- Regional Status Quo: The existing state of renewable energy adoption in Central Asia and the Caucasus.
- Potential for Renewables: Opportunities for scaling up solar, wind, and other renewables across the region.
Participation and Reach
The seminar brought together professors and students from 14 universities across five countries, including:
- Georgia
- Azerbaijan
- Kazakhstan
- Uzbekistan
- Kyrgyzstan
This diverse audience contributed to vibrant discussions on integrating renewable energy technologies into educational programs and regional strategies.
Impact and Looking Forward
By connecting academic institutions and industry experts, this seminar series emphasizes education as the foundation for driving the global energy transition. Future sessions will continue to delve into critical topics, building the capacity of universities to lead in renewable energy innovation.