Latest news with #GreenCorridor
Euronews
15-07-2025
- Business
- Euronews
Central Asian countries unite for a Green Corridor to Europe
Officially registered in Baku, Green Corridor Union LLC will coordinate efforts to export surplus renewable electricity from Central Asia to Europe via high-voltage transmission infrastructure. More than a strategic partnership, this initiative signals a geopolitical and economic shift toward interregional cooperation, sustainability, and energy diversification — themes high on the agenda for European institutions and markets increasingly turning toward cleaner alternatives. From vision to action The roots of the project stretch back to COP29 in Baku, where the presidents of all three countries signed a declaration on strategic cooperation in green energy. A few days ago, the vision became reality: Uzbekistan's National Electric Grids, Kazakhstan's KEGOC, and Azerbaijan's AzerEnergy signed the founding documents to create Green Corridor Union LLC. The company is now headed by Farhad Mammadov. The corridor aims to connect solar and wind-rich regions in Central Asia to European energy grids via a complex chain of transmission infrastructure: across Kazakhstan, beneath the Caspian Sea, through Azerbaijan and Georgia, and ultimately into Romania — a plan that would link the Caspian Basin to the heart of the European Union. Azerbaijan: Gateway to Europe Azerbaijan, with its growing renewable capacity and strategic Black Sea access, is set to play the role of final connector in the Green Corridor. From its shores, the power generated in Central Asia would cross the Black Sea via a proposed subsea cable toward Romania, forming what could become the first trans-Caspian green energy link to the EU. 'The unification of our energy systems is both a strategic and historic step,' said Azerbaijan's Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov. 'This initiative marks the beginning of the Caspian Green Energy Corridor — the first of its kind.' Azerbaijan has already signed a memorandum of cooperation with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, with plans to conclude an Intergovernmental Agreement on Strategic Partnership in Green Energy during COP29. According to Shahbazov, the countries are now conducting feasibility studies for laying a high-voltage cable under the Caspian Sea and through Georgia into Europe. Azerbaijan's energy capacity stands at 8.4 GW, with renewables accounting for over 21% of that figure. The country exported over 1.2 billion kWh of electricity in the first nine months of 2024 alone. 'This is about more than just power lines,' Shahbazov noted. 'It's about aligning our technologies, policies, and long-term ambitions together with Europe.' Uzbekistan's investment boom Uzbekistan has rapidly accelerated its green energy transformation. According to the Minister of Energy of Uzbekistan, Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov, the country expects to produce more than 135 billion kWh of electricity by 2030, with 10-15 billion kWh available for export, much of it from solar and wind. 'Over just one year, we tripled investment in green energy,' Mirzamakhmudov told Euronews. 'In 2023, €1.2 billion in foreign direct investment was absorbed by the sector. By the end of 2024, we expect that figure to exceed €4.23 billion euros.' These investments are not only building capacity — they are reshaping the energy map of Uzbekistan. The country now has more than 4.2 GW of renewable capacity online, with plans to reach 20 GW by 2030, amounting to 40% of total electricity generation. Solar and wind projects are underway in nearly every region, from the deserts of Navoi to the steppes of Karakalpakstan. The minister emphasized that 'all projects are supported by a reliable legal framework, and the President personally monitors their progress'. According to Mirzamakhmudov, Uzbekistan's renewable output this year has already saved 1.3 billion cubic metres of gas and reduced emissions by 1.8 million tons of CO₂, representing measurable progress toward its COP commitments. Kazakhstan: From transit to transformation For Kazakhstan, the Green Corridor is more than just a passage — it's a strategic investment in regional leadership and green growth. 'This project is one of the most strategically important for our energy sector,' said Kazakhstan's Minister of Energy, Erlan Akkenzhenov. 'It allows us to capitalise on our renewable potential and establish a sustainable export route for clean electricity to Europe.' The country's role as a key transit hub will be supported by KEGOC, which is responsible for national grid operations. While financial commitments are still being negotiated, Kazakhstan has already signed a Memorandum of Understanding with partners and financial institutions including the Asian Development Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, which are supporting the preparation of feasibility studies. 'We don't see insurmountable technical barriers,' Akkenzhenov told Euronews. 'The logistics are clear: energy flows from Uzbekistan to Kazakhstan, across the Caspian, through Azerbaijan and beyond.' He sees the project as a model for future cross-border energy cooperation, not just within Central Asia but between the region and Europe. 'It's a project of the future,' he added. 'One that connects energy, environment, and economic opportunity'. European eyes on the corridor As Europe pushes toward climate neutrality and energy security, initiatives like the Green Corridor are drawing increasing interest. The proposed interconnection would not only boost supply diversification for Europe but also bring long-term geopolitical and economic benefits both to the EU and Central Asia. The project aligns with EU Green Deal objectives and the Global Gateway strategy, which aims to invest in sustainable infrastructure across partner regions. Talks are ongoing with European institutions, and all three countries have expressed interest in attracting European investors and developers to the initiative. While the promise is bold, challenges remain: undersea transmission cables require massive investment and advanced engineering. Political coordination, particularly over transit routes and regional tensions, must be navigated carefully. Financing the multi-billion-euro infrastructure will also require sustained international support. But the foundation has been laid. The joint venture has been formed. Feasibility studies are underway. And momentum is building.
New Indian Express
24-06-2025
- New Indian Express
Kerala to set up green checkposts, enforce plastic ban at hill stations from October 2
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a move to protect its ecologically fragile hill stations and tourist destinations, the state government is gearing up to establish green checkposts and introduce an entry fee system at panchayat or district levels to enforce the High Court's ban on plastic bottles and single-use plastics (SUPs). LSGD Minister M B Rajesh told TNIE that the government will implement the ban at any cost and that aggressive enforcement will be launched from October 2, when the ban order comes into effect. The enforcement will focus on key eco-sensitive panchayats and tourism hubs including Munnar, Kumily, Elappara, Athirapally, Nelliampathy, Vythiri, Sulthan Bathery, and Ambalavayal where destinations such as Thekkady, Vagamon, Chalakudy-Athirappill y sector, Pookode Lake, Karlad Lake, and the Wayanad Heritage Museum are located. The minister said that green checkposts will be established at major access points to screen incoming visitors and vehicles for banned plastic items. The High Court's directive prohibits the use of plastic water bottles with capacity below five litres and soft drink bottles below two litres. To support the enforcement mechanism, the government will levy an entry fee, which will be used to fund the hiring of green volunteers, deploy monitoring staff, and manage operational costs to enforce the ban order. 'The government is fully committed to enforcing the High Court order, and aggressive action will begin across the state from October 2. Ahead of the enforcement, a campaign focusing on plastic ban by the HC will be launched immediately. This will continue for three months. A meeting will be held with the stakeholders including hotels, restaurants and tourism industries,' said Minister Rajesh. In addition to enforcement, the LSG department will launch a state-wide Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaign to raise awareness about the ban, encourage public participation, and promote behavioral change among tourists and local communities. One of the biggest challenges in front of the government is the limited availability of alternatives to plastic products. To address this, the LSGD has roped in Kudumbashree Mission to scale up the production and supply of eco-friendly substitutes like cloth bags and biodegradable packaging. The state aims to replicate the Munnar Green Corridor across all hill destinations, combining enforcement with community engagement and sustainable alternatives. Strict implementation Focus on key eco-sensitive panchayats and tourism hubs Green checkposts at major access points to screen incoming visitors and vehicles for banned plastic items Entry fee to be used to fund hiring of green volunteers, deploy monitoring staff, and manage operational costs
Time of India
28-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
LDA speeds up road work on Green Corridor project
1 2 Lucknow: The Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) is set to expedite the construction of a 24-metre-wide, four-lane road that will link Shaheed Path and Kisan Path as part of its Green Corridor project. The road is being developed along the right bank of the Gomti and aims to enhance connectivity and reduce traffic congestion in the region. LDA vice-chairman Prathamesh Kumar inspected the site on Wednesday and directed officials to start earth-levelling and identify all land falling within the proposed embankment alignment. A joint team comprising officials from engineering zone-1, the land acquisition section and the project implementation unit (PIU) was formed to resolve alignment issues and remove encroachments. Kumar proposed setting up a site office behind the Ekana cricket stadium for better project monitoring. He also reviewed the proposed 45-metre-wide road adjacent to the stadium, in line with the city's master plan. In CG City, he assessed progress on cofferdam construction in the wetland area, where a 6-metre-wide pathway is being developed. He directed officials to increase manpower and coordinate with the revenue department to resolve land acquisition issues. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo The VC also visited Sanskriti School, where sports facilities are under construction. He instructed the engineering team to expedite pending work, including basement flooring, drainage and electrical installations. "Our focus is on timely delivery and integrated planning. The Green Corridor is not just about infrastructure — it's about building sustainable urban growth. Every department must work in unison to ensure quality and speed," said Kumar. Chief engineer Navneet Sharma, PIU in-charge AK Sengar and executive engineers Manoj Sagar and Ajit Kumar were present during the inspections.
Hindustan Times
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Lko's Shaheed Path-Kisan Path 4-lane road work to accelerate
The Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) has directed officials to speed up the construction of a 24-metre-wide four-lane road and a dam on the right bank of the Gomti River to establish a direct connection between Shaheed Path and Kisan Path. The initiative is part of LDA's Green Corridor project aimed at improving intra-city connectivity. LDA vice chairman Prathamesh Kumar, who conducted a spot inspection on Wednesday, instructed officials to begin soil levelling on the identified land for the proposed dam without delay. A joint task force comprising members from engineering zone-1, the acquisition section, and the project implementation unit (PIU) has been formed to address construction hurdles. To strengthen ground-level supervision, a site office will be set up behind Ekana Cricket Stadium, staffed with personnel from key departments, LDA officials said. Kumar also reviewed the 45-metre-wide road planned under the Ekana Stadium's parallel master plan and issued implementation directions. He then visited CG City's wetland area, where a 6-metre-wide pathway is being developed along a coffer dam. During the visit, Kumar called for an increase in manpower to expedite the work. On being informed about pending land acquisition issues affecting the pathway's progress, he instructed Naib Tehsildar Amit Tripathi to complete land demarcation and marking within a week in coordination with the revenue department. Later, the vice chairman inspected the under-construction Tower-A and Tower-B of the CSI Tower project in CG City, being built by a private developer. Observing sluggish progress, he directed officials to issue a final notice to the contractor. He warned that continued delays would lead to withholding of payments, forfeiture of security deposits, and blacklisting of the firm. At Sanskriti School, Kumar directed officials to complete all pending sports facilities within a month. He also set deadlines for finalising external development, basement flooring, drainage, and other civil and electrical works. LDA chief engineer Navneet Sharma, PIU in-charge AK Sengar, executive engineers Manoj Sagar and Ajit Kumar, and other senior officials were present during the inspection, the LDA press release stated.
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Historic new project could change the future of the world's largest tropical forest: 'Bold and ambitious'
A groundbreaking conservation initiative in the Democratic Republic of Congo is poised to reshape the future of the Congo Basin rainforest, offering a beacon of hope for communities and the planet. In January, parliament passed new legislation that aims to protect an area of tropical forest spanning an area comparable to France, according to the World Economic Forum. The initiative represents a monumental step toward safeguarding one of Earth's most vital ecosystems. The Green Corridor, as it's been dubbed, stretches across the Democratic Republic of Congo, connecting protected areas and creating a vast sanctuary for biodiversity. This interconnected network isn't just about protecting trees — it's about empowering local communities. By promoting sustainable forestry, agriculture, and ecotourism, the Green Corridor initiative provides economic opportunities while preserving natural resources for generations to come. This holistic approach ensures that protecting the rainforest also means protecting the livelihoods of the people who call it home. The plan to protect this forest is projected to lean on sustainable agricultural production and hydropower from the Congo River to create 500,000 new jobs and help with the transfer of food between cities. According to the World Economic Forum, the Congo Basin is the world's largest tropical forest carbon sink. The organization notes that it is "sequestering 1.5 billion tonnes (1.7 billion tons) of carbon dioxide annually with a peat swamp that stores 29 billion tonnes (32 billion tons) of carbon." The organization also notes that the Congo Basin is home to 10,000 unique species. By preserving this crucial tropical forest, conservationists are bolstering the planet's natural defenses against the overheating planet, safeguarding precious biodiversity, and creating a more sustainable future for all. The Green Corridor initiative demonstrates how conservation can go hand in hand with community development, offering a model for similar projects around the world. Gim Huay Neo, the managing director of the World Economic Forum, noted: "The World Economic Forum is delighted to support this bold and ambitious endeavour to protect and restore one of the Earth's last lungs. We call on all partners to support this joint collaboration between the DRC government, local and international business, as well as civil society, to create a sustainable economy that will regenerate and protect nature, while empowering local communities and creating jobs for long-term peace and prosperity." Do you think America does a good job of protecting its natural beauty? Definitely Only in some areas No way I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. This undertaking echoes other inspiring conservation efforts, such as the reintroduction of gray wolves to Colorado and the successful breeding programs for endangered California condors. These stories serve as a reminder that positive change is possible when people work together toward a common goal. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
