EBRD, ACWA Power, and EY hold roundtable on national occupational skills standards development

Tashkent, Uzbekistan – As part of a joint initiative with ACWA Power Uzbekistan, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), with the support of Ernst & Young Advisory, organized a roundtable to discuss draft of the National Occupational Skills Standards (NOSS) in the renewable energy sector. The project is funded by the Action for Equality and Gender Multi-Donor Fund (A4EG), an EBRD-managed initiative.

The event brought together representatives from the Institute for the Development of the National Qualifications System, the Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, as well as key private energy companies, educational institutions, professional associations, industry experts, and international organizations.

Anar Nurbayeva, Gender Advisor at the EBRD, delivered the opening remarks, highlighting the significance of the project for promoting human capital in Uzbekistan’s renewable energy sector. With the country’s growing investments in solar and wind energy, it is essential to develop a highly skilled workforce equipped with modern competencies to operate advanced technologies.

Qosim Tokhtakhunov, Deputy Director of the Training and Qualification Enhancement Center under the Ministry of Energy, also welcomed participants. He emphasized the ongoing transformation of the national energy system and the target to achieve 54% of the energy mix from renewables by 2030. He also underlined the current shortage of qualified professionals in the sector.

Giyos Kurbonov, a representative of ACWA Power, shared the background and motivation behind the initiative and presented the company’s experience and needs in skilled labor. He also introduced participants to ACWA Power’s ongoing social initiatives, including programs at the Shirin College. Last year, 30 graduates completed training at the college and were employed at ACWA Power power plants. This year, the graduation of 45 students is expected, with plans for their subsequent employment. Additionally, international curricula have been integrated into Shirin College’s training programs to enhance the quality of technical education for Uzbekistan’s energy sector.

During the discussions, participants provided feedback and suggestions, which were incorporated into the design of the drafts of NOSS. These NOSS are currently under review and are expected to serve as a foundation for the development of new educational standards in the renewable energy sector.

The roundtable served as a vital platform for dialogue between the private sector, government institutions, and the expert community, aimed at strengthening professional competencies and creating a more sustainable system for training skilled professionals in Uzbekistan’s renewable energy sector.

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