Abstract
Central Asian countries (Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan) are rich in renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and hydropower, but the differences in economic development among the five countries have led to uneven development of renewable energy projects. Energy transition, carbon neutrality targets, and geopolitical conflicts make renewable energy development in Central Asian countries full of challenges. Policies to provide tariff reductions, simplify procedures and strengthen international cooperation for renewable energy projects are specified in the legislation on the use of renewable energy. China is the fastest growing country in the field of renewable energy technologies and one of the major investors in the Central Asian renewable energy market. Under the guidance of the One Belt and One Road Initiative, China and Central Asia have launched multi-level and all-round cooperation in the renewable energy sector. China has advanced technology and relatively strong capital, while the advantage of Central Asia lies in its great potential for developing renewable energy (hydro, wind and solar). The two sides carry out renewable energy cooperation, which is complementary to a certain extent, and can achieve mutual benefits and meet the economic development interests of both parties. In recent years, energy cooperation between China and the Central Asian countries within the framework of the One Belt and One Road Initiative has achieved many positive results. Their cooperation had geopolitical, technological and economic advantages, and the One Belt and One Road Initiative provided the Central Asian countries with more opportunities for sustainable development. This study concludes that China and Central Asia are actively promoting renewable energy cooperation under the One Belt and One Road Initiative to expand investment and reduce risks.