World Bank: the Heating Sector in Europe and Central Asia Region Requires Change

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The heating sector in Tajikistan, like many countries in the Europe and Central Asia (ECA) Region, relies substantially on fossil fuels and highly polluting firewood and coal stoves.

In a new comprehensive analysis of 23 countries across Europe and Central Asia released today, the World Bank calls for a major revamp of the region’s heating sector to deliver sustainable and affordable services to its people, especially the most vulnerable, and to reduce reliance on inefficient, carbon-intensive fuels.

Tajikistan endures harsh winter temperatures making the heating sector a critical utility service. About 65 % of total residential energy consumption, and 21 % of the country’s energy use, is attributed to space heating.

The report, ‘Toward a Framework for the Sustainable Heating Transition’, underscores the urgent need to ensure efficient, clean, and affordable heating services for everyone. Achieving net-zero emissions by mid-century in the region requires drastic transformation of the heating sector, which today accounts for about 24% of regional energy demand and is responsible for about 22% of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Source: Asia Plus