Scaling Up Energy Efficiency and Renewable Investments in Europe and Central Asia

Boosting energy efficiency and renewable energy is essential for Europe and Central Asia’s secure, affordable, and sustainable energy future. In support of countries’ efforts to raise their ambition, the World Bank Group has launched a program to scale up public and private investment, achieve replicability and scalability, and facilitate knowledge sharing.

Moderator: Charles Cormier, World Bank Regional Director for Infrastructure, Europe and Central Asia

Opening remarks: Antonella Bassani, World Bank Vice President for Europe and Central Asia

Panel:

• Ms. Cheryl Edleson Hanway, Regional Industry Director for Infrastructure, Energy & Mining; Europe, Latin America & the Caribbean, IFC
• Mr. Ahmed Badr, Director of Project Facilitation and Support, IRENA
• Ms. Meral Murathan, Executive Vice President, TSKB (Industrial Development Bank of Türkiye)
• Ms. Carolina Novac, State Secretary of the Ministry of Energy of Moldova

About the Session

Boosting energy efficiency and renewable energy is essential for Europe and Central Asia’s secure, affordable, and sustainable energy future. Improving energy efficiency can enhance business competitiveness, lower household energy costs, and create jobs, while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions. At the same time, a step-change in renewable energy investments is critical for reducing the region’s dependence on fossil fuels, improving energy security, and protecting against price shocks and supply shortages. In support of countries’ efforts to raise their ambition, the World Bank Group has launched a program to scale up public and private investment, achieve replicability and scalability, and facilitate knowledge sharing.

This session brings together representatives from the public and private sector and international organizations to explore ways to incentivize countries to take action, build broader partnerships, leverage the private sector, and create economies of scale through regional harmonization, replicability, and market integration. The participants will also exchange views on what role knowledge can play in advancing energy transition in this region and beyond.