Need of energy transition at roof of the world: Correlative approach to interpret energy identity of high-altitude Central Asian communities

Abstract

The high-altitude Central Asian communities (mainly from rural Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan) face a high degree of energy complexity. The thematic knowledge clearly outlines that these communities hold special energy identity (information about energy requirements, energy consumption, classification of the building, energy resources, energy services, and challenges) and at the same time, energy poverty ironically exists. To mitigate energy poverty, there is an immediate need for sustainable energy transition through special energy planning. Though, the limited information about the energy identity of these communities restricts the energy transition process. The main aim of the paper was to outline the special and comparative energy profile of high-altitude Central Asian rural communities. To demonstrate the special energy profile, a novel correlative approach was developed which synthesises the information about energy context (current energy situation and critical issues), energy resources (available sustainable and non-sustainable energy and its usage) and energy services (available energy services to meet the energy need) by considering local boundary conditions. These various parameters were studied based on the extensive literature review, the author's interview with local people and the previous work of the authors. There is a large gap in the literature regarding energy information about high-altitude Central Asian communities. Based on the correlative approach, the presented article was the first attempt to develop a novel framework to interpret the energy identity of high-altitude Central Asian communities and thus contribute to knowledge. The derived special energy identity will serve as a profound base to develop an energy planning more effectively. The derived results categorised the spatial energy situation at the roof of the world. Even though access to electricity, the high-altitude Central Asian rural population suffers from unique and complex energy challenges articulated in the presented article. Energy is a costly and critical task for the local population. To resolve this issue, sustainable energy transition is an essential element for these settlements which ensures sustainable communities from the long-term perspective. This can be achieved by spatial energy planning for high-altitude communities (i.e. implementation of energy efficiency measures in combination with an energy supply system on a community level).