Connection

popular articles

Japan Restarts Nuclear Reactor Near Fukushima Amid Safety Concerns
Perenco’s Strategy in the Congo to Reach 100,000 Barrels per Day
The Greenfin label revised to better align with the European Green Taxonomy
Zimbabwe: towards a new energy era with gas from Cabora Bassa
Syntholene secures 20 MW energy agreement powered by geothermal energy

Macron in Central Asia a game of Influence on a Complex Geopolitical Chessboard

French President Emmanuel Macron visits Central Asia to strengthen economic and strategic ties with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. The visit comes against a tense geopolitical backdrop, with several powers, including China and Russia, seeking to extend their influence in the region.
  • [favorite_button]

Please share:

The French President is expected in two key Central Asian countries: Kazakhstan, the region’s leading economic power, and Uzbekistan, which is seeking to emerge from 25 years of isolation. The objectives are clear: to diversify strategic and economic ties and strengthen Europe’s presence in the region through the signing of contracts.

A Tense Geopolitical Context

Macron’s visit comes at a time when several powers, notably China with its “New Silk Roads” project, are seeking to extend their influence in Central Asia. Russia, although still an essential economic and military partner, is seeing its influence in the region decline, not least because of the war in Ukraine.

Target sectors for contracts

France, represented by several ministers and business leaders, is targeting contracts in a variety of sectors including energy, water, urban transport and aeronautics. France is already the fifth-largest foreign investor in Kazakhstan, and is keen to further develop its economic relations with Uzbekistan.

Human rights and governance issues

Beyond the economic stakes, the question of human rights and governance will not be left out. Both countries have a history of repression and authoritarian governance, and France assures that the issue of the rule of law will be addressed during the visit.

Macron’s visit to Central Asia is a delicate maneuver in a complex geopolitical chessboard. As France seeks to strengthen its economic and strategic ties, it must also navigate an environment where human rights and governance issues are just as crucial.

Register free of charge for uninterrupted access.

Publicite

Latest news

Next-generation geothermal technologies gain global credibility
ACWA Power to invest up to $10 billion in Malaysia for energy projects
Galp targets 40% increase in oil production in Brazil
Washington cancels $2.92bn loan guarantee granted to Sunnova
North Atlantic in talks to acquire Esso’s Gravenchon refinery

Recently published in

Madrid rejects claims of experiment linked to nationwide power outage

Spanish authorities and grid operator REE denied conducting any experiment on the national electricity network prior to the massive outage on April 28, the cause of which remains unknown.
Wood Mackenzie’s tariff scenarios reshape global energy policy
Three trade trajectories projected by Wood Mackenzie show how tariff tensions could shift demand, prices and investment in the global energy sector.
en_1140290949540-15
Wood Mackenzie’s tariff scenarios reshape global energy policy
Three trade trajectories projected by Wood Mackenzie show how tariff tensions could shift demand, prices and investment in the global energy sector.
en_1140290949540-15
The European Union moves closer to 2030 energy targets, says Brussels
The European Commission states the Union is on track to cut emissions by 54% by 2030, following updated national plans.
en_1140290952540-15
The European Union moves closer to 2030 energy targets, says Brussels
The European Commission states the Union is on track to cut emissions by 54% by 2030, following updated national plans.
en_1140290952540-15
South Korea Launches Tenders for 2.25 GW of Renewable Energy
South Korea announces two major tenders totaling 2.25 GW, split between offshore wind and solar, introducing new economic and technical criteria designed to strengthen energy security and attract international investors.
en_1140290960540-14
South Korea Launches Tenders for 2.25 GW of Renewable Energy
South Korea announces two major tenders totaling 2.25 GW, split between offshore wind and solar, introducing new economic and technical criteria designed to strengthen energy security and attract international investors.
en_1140290960540-14

Ember forecasts solar and wind could power 30% of ASEAN data centres

Ember anticipates that a third of ASEAN data centre electricity demand could be met by wind and solar by 2030, without batteries, if appropriate political measures are implemented.
India steps up energy strategy as electricity demand set to triple
A Rocky Mountain Institute report reveals India’s energy ambition, with electricity demand potentially tripling by 2050, backed by an industrial policy focused on renewable energy.
en_1140290956540-14
India steps up energy strategy as electricity demand set to triple
A Rocky Mountain Institute report reveals India’s energy ambition, with electricity demand potentially tripling by 2050, backed by an industrial policy focused on renewable energy.
en_1140290956540-14
Indonesia plans 69.5 GW of new power capacity by 2034
The Indonesian government targets a mixed energy expansion involving coal, gas, renewables, and nuclear, requiring IDR2,967.4tn ($235bn) in investment by the end of 2034.
en_1140290954540-12
Indonesia plans 69.5 GW of new power capacity by 2034
The Indonesian government targets a mixed energy expansion involving coal, gas, renewables, and nuclear, requiring IDR2,967.4tn ($235bn) in investment by the end of 2034.
en_1140290954540-12
Tim Hodgson aims to accelerate permitting to revitalize Canada’s energy sector
Canadian Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson announces reforms to the energy permitting process, aiming to stimulate investments and strengthen relations between the government and industry.
en_1140290944540-12
Tim Hodgson aims to accelerate permitting to revitalize Canada’s energy sector
Canadian Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson announces reforms to the energy permitting process, aiming to stimulate investments and strengthen relations between the government and industry.
en_1140290944540-12

Washington prepares to remove emissions limits for coal and gas power plants

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is finalising a proposal to lift emissions caps for thermal power plants, amid a broader shift toward national energy security.
Pakistan allocates 2,000 MW to AI data centres and Bitcoin mining operations
The Pakistani government is releasing 2,000 megawatts of power to support the development of data centres focused on artificial intelligence and Bitcoin mining, as part of a strategy to attract foreign investment.
en_1140290956540-12
Pakistan allocates 2,000 MW to AI data centres and Bitcoin mining operations
The Pakistani government is releasing 2,000 megawatts of power to support the development of data centres focused on artificial intelligence and Bitcoin mining, as part of a strategy to attract foreign investment.
en_1140290956540-12
China surpasses 26% wind and solar electricity share in April, setting new record
In April, China generated 26% of its electricity from wind and solar, according to Ember, marking a historic first that reflects a rapid rebalancing of its energy mix.
en_1140290971540-4
China surpasses 26% wind and solar electricity share in April, setting new record
In April, China generated 26% of its electricity from wind and solar, according to Ember, marking a historic first that reflects a rapid rebalancing of its energy mix.
en_1140290971540-4
Belgium legalises extension of two nuclear reactors until 2045
Belgium’s federal parliament has adopted a law authorising the extension of Doel-4 and Tihange-3 reactors and allowing new nuclear construction, ending the nuclear phase-out policy established in 2003.
en_1140290956540-11
Belgium legalises extension of two nuclear reactors until 2045
Belgium’s federal parliament has adopted a law authorising the extension of Doel-4 and Tihange-3 reactors and allowing new nuclear construction, ending the nuclear phase-out policy established in 2003.
en_1140290956540-11

Australia commits AUD 22.7bn to support its energy policy through 2030

The re-elected Australian government is investing heavily in storage, critical minerals and domestic production to meet its target of 82% renewable electricity by 2030.
US budget proposal threatens tax incentives for renewable energy projects
The US House budget bill outlines a gradual phaseout of tax credits, affecting financing for solar, wind, storage, and clean hydrogen initiatives.
en_1140290975540-2
US budget proposal threatens tax incentives for renewable energy projects
The US House budget bill outlines a gradual phaseout of tax credits, affecting financing for solar, wind, storage, and clean hydrogen initiatives.
en_1140290975540-2
China slows fossil fuel output in April despite higher year-on-year volumes
China's gas, oil and coal volumes remain above last year’s levels, despite a decline in April compared to the record highs of March.
en_1140290979540-3
China slows fossil fuel output in April despite higher year-on-year volumes
China's gas, oil and coal volumes remain above last year’s levels, despite a decline in April compared to the record highs of March.
en_1140290979540-3
Regulator Ofgem forecasts 7% drop in energy bills from July
The UK’s energy price cap is expected to fall to £1,720 ($2,187) in July, according to Cornwall Insight, due to recent movements in wholesale markets.
en_1140290978540-3
Regulator Ofgem forecasts 7% drop in energy bills from July
The UK’s energy price cap is expected to fall to £1,720 ($2,187) in July, according to Cornwall Insight, due to recent movements in wholesale markets.
en_1140290978540-3

European Union cuts Russian gas imports by 98 bcm since 2021

The European Commission releases data on the REPowerEU plan, confirming a sharp drop in Russian fossil fuel purchases and announcing new legislative measures by June.
India signs $500,000 agreement to support clean energy startups
A partnership between the Indian government and GEAPP provides financial and operational support to early-stage climate-tech firms as part of a national energy strategy.
en_1140291012540
India signs $500,000 agreement to support clean energy startups
A partnership between the Indian government and GEAPP provides financial and operational support to early-stage climate-tech firms as part of a national energy strategy.
en_1140291012540
Uzbekistan accelerates energy modernisation with $100mn World Bank loan
A $150mn financing package, including $100mn from the World Bank, will support the modernisation of Uzbekistan’s power grid and integration of renewable energy in key regions.
en_1140291011540
Uzbekistan accelerates energy modernisation with $100mn World Bank loan
A $150mn financing package, including $100mn from the World Bank, will support the modernisation of Uzbekistan’s power grid and integration of renewable energy in key regions.
en_1140291011540
Canada aims to mobilise $1.1tn through major energy projects by 2035
A report from the Public Policy Forum calls for accelerating over 500 energy, critical minerals and infrastructure projects to generate CAD1 100bn in Canadian GDP growth.
en_1140290950540-9
Canada aims to mobilise $1.1tn through major energy projects by 2035
A report from the Public Policy Forum calls for accelerating over 500 energy, critical minerals and infrastructure projects to generate CAD1 100bn in Canadian GDP growth.
en_1140290950540-9

Denmark considers lifting 40-year nuclear ban

The Danish government is assessing the possibility of authorising new nuclear technologies, marking a major regulatory shift in energy policy after four decades of prohibition.
No cyberattack detected after massive power outage in Spain
The Spanish government confirmed no signs of cyberattack were identified after the 28 April blackout that affected much of the Iberian Peninsula.
en_1140290954540-7
No cyberattack detected after massive power outage in Spain
The Spanish government confirmed no signs of cyberattack were identified after the 28 April blackout that affected much of the Iberian Peninsula.
en_1140290954540-7
South Africa calls for a balanced and affordable energy transition
South African authorities are advocating for an approach that integrates economic development and environmental protection, highlighting global imbalances in climate responsibility.
en_1140290954540-6
South Africa calls for a balanced and affordable energy transition
South African authorities are advocating for an approach that integrates economic development and environmental protection, highlighting global imbalances in climate responsibility.
en_1140290954540-6
Brussels wants to impose a six-month maximum for energy permits
The European Commission is considering changing environmental laws to accelerate the granting of permits for renewable energy projects across the European Union.
en_1140290953540-7
Brussels wants to impose a six-month maximum for energy permits
The European Commission is considering changing environmental laws to accelerate the granting of permits for renewable energy projects across the European Union.
en_1140290953540-7

Advertising

LEGAL

FOSSILS

POLICY

RENEWABLE

PLUS

VERVANT

Welcome

Your subscription

Included in this subscription:

COMMUNICATE ON ENERGYNEWS