During the week of June 15th, the third edition of the Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) “Strengthening Partnerships through Erasmus Cooperation Projects,” organized by the University of Cadiz (UCA), was held in Cadiz, bringing together university experts from 33 countries. On the second day of the programme, Rafael Jiménez Castañeda, the academic coordinator of the Erasmus+ K2 project “Development of Transversal and Sustainable Skills for the Production of Electricity and Heat from Renewable Energy: SILKWAY,” presented this Capacity Building in Higher Education project.

Recalling the journey of the project—which has been developed across seven universities in Central Asia and Europe and coordinated by the University of Cadiz—Professor Jiménez Castañeda highlighted the importance of SILKWAY’s educational offerings for the internationalization and accessibility of renewable energy education in EU external partner countries. At the same time, he emphasized the value of intercultural learning for European Green Deal projects.

The SILKWAY project, which includes specific courses tailored to an advanced level, aims to address real-world challenges in clean energy production for electricity and heat, as well as the development of renewable energy technology in Central Asian contries. The project complements its academic offering with the acquisition of transversal skills through multidisciplinary courses on energy efficiency, the circular economy, and business advancement in the energy sector, while also planning for the development of students’ practical skills in collaboration with local companies.

This forum, organised by the Spanish Service for the Promotion of Higher Education (SEPIE), brought together around twenty vice-chancellors from the leading Uzbek universities and took place on the campus of Rey Juan Carlos University in Madrid, where a technical review of the higher education systems of both nations was conducted, panel discussions were held on strategic perspectives and the impact of the Erasmus+ programme, as well as parallel sessions on the Spanish language and the green and digital transitions, concluding with a dedicated block of bilateral meetings.

The UCA delegation comprised Professor Rafael Jiménez Castañeda, Javier Izquierdo Antón from the Internationalisation Office, acting as coordinator and project officer for the Erasmus+ SILKWAY project, the Director General of Language Policy, Leonor Acosta, and Andrés Santana Arribas, head of CUNEAC.

Leonor Acosta was one of the two Spanish speakers on the panel discussion “Spain and Uzbekistan: Strategic Perspectives and Opportunities for Collaboration”, where she highlighted the significant potential for academic collaboration between the two countries, particularly in the areas of the Spanish language and culture and in those fields identified as priorities by the European Commission (signing of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA) with Uzbekistan in October 2025) and the Spanish Government (“The Spanish Strategy for Asia-Pacific 2026–2029”): renewable energy and the green transition, economic modernisation, the digital transition, regional connectivity and the strengthening of the rule of law, all of which have been consolidated.

Professor Rafael Jiménez Castañeda, in his capacity as coordinator of the Erasmus+ project ‘Development of transversal and sustainable skills for the production of electricity and heat from renewable energy (SILKWAY)’, has held bilateral follow-up meetings with Sotiboldiev Oybek Farmonjonovich, Vice-Rector for International Relations at Urgench State University, and with Abror Juraev, Vice-Rector for International Relations at Bukhara State University. These meetings served to discuss new avenues for academic collaboration  beyond the scope of the project . It should be noted that the signing of bilateral agreements with both universities is currently underway.

This 3rd Forum of Spanish and Uzbek Universities was organised by the Spanish Service for the Internationalisation of Education (SEPIE) of the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities and the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Spain, and was held at Rey Juan Carlos University in Madrid. This event follows on from the 1st Forum, held at the University of Cádiz in 2023, and the 2nd Forum, which took place in the Uzbek cities of Tashkent, Samarkand and Naganman in 2024.

On 14 May 2026, an Information Day was successfully held at Osh State University (OSU) as part of the Erasmus+ CBHE SILKWAY project.

The main aim of the event was to familiarize students, lecturers, stakeholders and the public with the activities, objectives and content of the SILKWAY project. Representatives of government organizations, industrial enterprises, research institutions and other universities, as well as academic staff and students attended the event.

Welcoming speeches were delivered by the university rector, Professor K.G. Kozhobekov; the project coordinator, Professor Rafael Costenado; the chief engineer of the Osh Thermal Power Plant, A. Turkmenov; M.P. Tokoev Professor of Osh Technological University; and other distinguished guests. Professor Idirisbek Gulamovich Kenzhaev gave a presentation in which he outlined the project’s objectives, new training courses, the laboratory infrastructure planned under WP4, and opportunities for future collaboration. He also presented a report on the work carried out by the Osh State University team.

During the discussion, participants paid particular attention to the development of further cooperation between the university’s academics and the industrial sector to address pressing industry challenges, as well as to enhancing the practical skills and competitiveness of graduates in the labor market. Zaripbek Sharipovich Aidarbekov, Head of the Department of Energy and Associate Professor, conducted an open lecture using the newly acquired laboratory equipment.

Guests at the Information Day were able to familiarize themselves with the new, state-of-the-art teaching and laboratory equipment, which enables practical sessions to be held in subjects related to renewable energy, wind and hydropower, photovoltaic and energy conservation. 

Participants in the event expressed their admiration and highly praised the results of the work carried out by the Osh State University team as part of the SILKWAY project. The recent Information Day was an important event, contributing to the further strengthening of the university’s ties with industry and the development of practical skills among students. The implementation of the SILKWAY project has once again confirmed Osh State University’s leading position in the field of renewable energy and energy efficiency.

An Infoday was held at Bukhara State University within the framework of the Erasmus+ SILKWAY project — "Developing Sustainable Skills in Electricity and Heat Energy Production from Renewable Energy Sources."

The event was organized to introduce the project's activities to the wider public, increase young people's interest in the field of alternative energy, and promote scientific and practical opportunities in this area. The event was attended by SILKWAY project research members, professors and lecturers from Bukhara State Technical University, specialists from the Bukhara Regional Tax Administration, as well as representatives of manufacturing enterprises operating in the field of alternative energy.

As part of the Infoday, a roundtable discussion was organized, during which the project's goals, main directions, and achieved results were discussed. Participants exchanged views on the efficient use of renewable energy sources, the implementation of modern approaches in the sector, and the training of qualified specialists. Additionally, presentations on the project's activities were delivered for students, young researchers, and visitors. These presentations provided detailed information about the work being carried out under the SILKWAY project, innovative solutions, and future plans.

Furthermore, a presentation was given showcasing the laboratory equipment purchased under the project and its technical capabilities. The activities carried out within this project serve to develop young people's knowledge and skills in the field of renewable energy, prepare them on the basis of modern technologies, and contribute meaningfully to sustainable development.

A new stage in the development of renewable energy potential and professional qualification in cooperation with the European Union.

On April 24, 2026, an Info Day was successfully organized at the Tashkent State Technical University named after Islam Karimov under the Erasmus+ CBHE project SILKWAY.

The main goal of the event was to strengthen education, scientific research and industrial cooperation in the field of renewable energy. Representatives of state organizations, industrial enterprises and scientific institutions, professors and teachers and students took part in the event.

During the event, professors Yuldoshev Isroil and Nargiza Dalmurodova spoke about the goals of the SILKWAY project, new training courses, laboratory infrastructure planned within the framework of WP4, and future cooperation opportunities. Particular attention was paid to the development of practical skills and increasing the competitiveness of graduates in the labor market. The participants got acquainted with the results and prospective researches in the scientific directions of the "Alternative energy sources" department - solar photoelectric systems, wind energy, hybrid generation and energy storage technologies.

Also, the importance of the university's heliopolygon and future laboratory equipment in education and research was widely explained.

The results of the event became an important basis for further strengthening of cooperation between the university and industry, development of student practice and joint research.

Within the framework of the SILKWAY project, TSTU's leading position in the field of renewable energy was once again confirmed.

On April 23, 2026, Jalal-Abad State University named after B. Osmonov hosted an Information Day of the SILKWAY project, bringing together representatives of energy companies, academic staff, and students of the Department of Electric Power Engineering and Mechanics.

The event opened with welcome remarks delivered by the Head of the Department of Electric Power Engineering and Mechanics, Candidate of Technical Sciences, Associate Professor Kulumkan Kokumbaeva, the SILKWAY Project Coordinator from University of Cádiz Javier Izquierdo Anton, and the Rector of the University, Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor K.Zh. Usenov.

In their speeches, they emphasized the importance of the project for advancing modern education and strengthening collaboration with industry partners.

During the event, participants were introduced to the SILKWAY project, including its objectives, key areas of activity, and expected outcomes. Special attention was given to the development of educational programs in renewable energy and the enhancement of practice-oriented skills among students.

The program also included a presentation of newly developed courses within the project, highlighting the opportunities they offer to both students and academic staff.

One of the key highlights of the event was the demonstration of renewable energy laboratories and modern equipment acquired through the project. This allowed participants to explore the university’s technical capacity and its application in the educational process.

An important part of the program was the stakeholder consultation session, where representatives of energy companies discussed current labor market needs, required professional competencies, and expectations for graduates with academic staff. The event was attended by industry representatives: Almaz Arzybaev — Leading Engineer (SRS) Bekzad Sultanaliyev — Deputy Head (SPS) Zholdosh Kozhoyarov — Master (CGPS) Bakhtiyar Sabitkulov — Leading Engineer (MSRZA) Zhusup Kalilov — Leading Engineer (MSIZPI) Talant Kamchiev — Deputy Head (VVS) Ilyas Abdyrahmanov — Engineer (MSSDTU) Orunbek Abazov — Head of “Manas Sbyt” Academic staff and students of the Department of Electric Power Engineering and Mechanics also actively participated in the discussions. During the discussion and Q&A session, participants exchanged views, asked questions, and explored ways to improve educational programs in line with industry needs.

The event concluded with a networking session aimed at strengthening cooperation between the university and industry representatives and discussing prospects for future collaboration.

Project Information

Project Reference: 101179683

Project Title: SILKWAY - Development of Transversal and Sustainable Skills for the Production of Electricity and Heat from Renewable Energy

Disclaimer Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.

On 22 April 2026, the second Info Day of the SILKWAY Erasmus+ project was held at the Faculty of Physics and Mathematics of Urgench State University.

The event brought together graduating bachelor’s and master’s students, academic staff, members of the Romanovsky Institute of Mathematics, and international project partners.

During the meeting, participants were introduced to the project’s main objectives, partner universities, and the new renewable energy laboratory equipment installed at the university. Special guest speakers, including the project coordinator Prof. Rafael Jiménez Castañeda and Javier Izquierdo Antón, joined online and highlighted the importance of international cooperation between Urgench State University and the University of Cádiz.

The event concluded with a visit to the newly established laboratory, where practical demonstrations of the equipment were presented.

On April 10, 2026, Urgench State University hosted an Info Day within the SILKWAY Erasmus+ project, bringing together representatives of leading regional companies, academic staff, and graduating students.

During the event, stakeholders presented their organizations and discussed industry needs, while Umid Karimov and Aygul Babadjanova introduced the SILKWAY project, its achievements, and opportunities for collaboration.

The meeting provided a valuable platform for strengthening cooperation between academia and industry, particularly in the field of renewable energy. Graduating students actively participated and engaged with company representatives.

After the event, additional discussions were held with students interested in applying for the Master’s program “70710413 – Renewable Energy Sources.” Project flyers and brochures were also distributed to increase awareness. The event successfully enhanced university–industry collaboration and promoted educational opportunities in renewable energy.

On 19 February 2026, representatives from each team responsible for Work Package 6 convened for an online meeting.

During the session, all relevant issues and challenges related to the implementation of this work package were thoroughly discussed. The meeting was held successfully.

Participants were provided with concise guidance on how to publish news updates and information about events on the project website.

Silkway — Development of transversal and sustainable skills in generating electricity and heat from renewable energy sources Aibek uulu Daniela is responsible for the logic and interconnection of individual parts of the site. Sultan kyzy Munaru is responsible for the style and selection of the website design. Maricella Tashmatov is responsible for the media part of the project, maintaining social networks and promoting news. Ashyrbaev Nursultan Sabyralievich is responsible for testing and linking site blocks.

As part of the SILKWAY project, the Osh State University team is responsible for Work Package 6 (WP6) – Communication and Dissemination, which plays a key role in the success of the project by ensuring effective interaction between participants – consortium members, students and stakeholders.

Task 6.1 is an integral part of WP6 and includes the development of a Communication and Dissemination Plan. The main purpose of the Communication and Dissemination Plan is to manage the project, which helps to minimise risks and ensure that all project participants are informed in a timely manner.

In drawing up the most effective communications and information dissemination plan, we identified the main elements of communications and information dissemination, analysed the target audience, channels and methods of information dissemination, scheduled updates and identified the persons responsible for communications and information dissemination in the project from each consortium member.

Communication and information dissemination goals and objectives; Project target audience; Communication and information dissemination channels and formats; Development of key messages and topics; Establishment of communication frequency and formats, i.e. creation of an information transfer schedule; Identification of those responsible for communications in the SILKWAY project; Monitoring and analysis of the results of communications and information dissemination; Schedule for the transmission of information on the SILKWAY project.

Based on the above, we identified the main points of the Communications and Information Dissemination Plan, which are listed below in the form of a table of contents with explanations for each item.

The objective of WP6 is to establish and maintain a unified communication and dissemination framework for the project.

This work package addresses fragmented channels and inconsistent messaging by ensuring a centralized project website, a coherent social media strategy, and regular updates for all stakeholders.

This approach makes the project’s results visible, understandable, and accessible throughout 2025–2031.

Steering Committee of the SILKWAY project held a face-to-face meeting at Tashkent State University.

This meeting, the first physical meeting of the project, was attended by representatives from Sapienza University of Rome in Italy, Osh State University and Jalal-Abad State University in Kyrgyzstan, and Tashkent State Technical University, Urgench State University and Bukhara State University in Uzbekistan. 

Osh State University announces the winner of the competition for the best SILKWAY project logo!

On 24 June 2025, Osh State University (OshSU) hosted the award ceremony of the winner of the competition for the best logo of the SILKWAY Erasmus+ project funded by the European Commission. The aim of the competition is to create a unique and meaningful visual image for the SILKWAY project, which contributes to the development of academic quality, international co-operation and strengthening of educational potential in Central Asia. The winner of the competition was Bektemir uulu Duishon, a lecturer at the Institute of Mathematics, Physics and Information Technologies of Osh State University. His logo design was chosen for its creativity, clarity and accurate reflection of the project's goals and mission.

Rector of OshSU Professor K.G. Kozhobekov and SILKWAY Project Manager at OshSU I.G. Kenzhaev attended the award ceremony and jointly presented the winner with a diploma and a cash prize. ‘This logo will become a symbol not only of the project's goals, but also of the spirit of co-operation and innovation that SILKWAY develops between partner universities,’ the Rector said in his speech.

The SILKWAY project, supported by the European Union's Erasmus+ programme, continues to play a key role in promoting academic mobility, modernising educational programmes and strengthening scientific potential in the region.

Dear students, faculty, and staff,  Jalal-Abad State University named after B. Osmonov invites you to take part in a series of webinars held on June 11, 18, and 25, 2025, as part of the international SILKWAY project.

Webinar topics include sustainable development, inclusion, and innovative approaches to education. Participation is open to all members of the university community: students, faculty, and administrative staff. Links to the webinars will be sent to registered participants the day before each event, and a certificate of participation will be issued to those who attend at least two webinars.

The SILKWAY project “Development of transversal and sustainable skills for the production of electricity and heat from renewable energy” – Project 101179683 – is a project funded by the Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Higher Education program , with a total budget of €888,379.2 and a maximum funding of €799,541.34.

The project is heavily focused on the European Green Deal and electricity and heat production, which is particularly important given the current geopolitical situation affecting countries in Central Asia. This initiative stems from the University of Cádiz's close collaboration with Central Asia through its International University Centre for Eastern Europe and Central Asia (CUNEAC) and its network of partners in the region, as well as the extensive history of cooperation between the University of Cádiz and Sapienza University of Rome in the preparation and implementation of European projects.

It comprises seven university partners: two from the European Union (University of Cádiz, project coordinator Professor Rafael Jiménez Castañeda, and Sapienza University of Rome); two from Kyrgyzstan (Osh State University and Jalal-Abad State University); and three from Uzbekistan (Tashkent State Technical University, Urgench State University, and Bukhara State University); as well as two business partners: the European companies Studio Santi Limited (Italy) and SINCROWATT6 SL (Cádiz, Spain). Furthermore, the project has the endorsement and support of numerous associations and public institutions in Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan (embassies, ministries, and local and regional governments).

The SILKWAY project , like the Silk Road centuries ago, aims to bring growth and prosperity to the countries of Central Asia (Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan) in the field of energy and environmental protection, through the improvement and increase of the educational offer and the acquisition of transversal skills that, together with the creation of a network of actors, lead to a concrete improvement in professional competitiveness.

The Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Higher Education program supports the modernization, accessibility, and internationalization of higher education in EU external partner countries.

The core of the project addresses the world of renewable energy, particularly clean energy production for electricity and heat, responding to a specific energy supply need in the country. The project includes specific courses on these topics and renewable energy technologies based on the specific resources of the countries involved , complementing the training offer with the acquisition of transversal skills through the multidisciplinary delivery of courses on energy efficiency, circular economy and business development in the energy sector, so that students are given a complete vision of the environment in which they will be called to operate once they have completed their studies.

These new courses will be designed at a master's level, in accordance with the quality standards of the European Higher Education Area, and are expected to be accredited as postgraduate specialization courses. Accreditation will be a requirement of the project and the responsibility of each beneficiary university in Central Asia, in accordance with its academic regulations.

This format allows the courses to be offered to all postgraduate and master's students, as well as professionals in the job market interested in acquiring new skills to work in this sector, which is currently experiencing very high growth.

In addition to the Green Deal, the project aims to address the second regional priority of sustainable growth and employment by creating a network of stakeholders , analyzing the professional needs of the local market, organizing career guidance days, and offering internships to students through cooperation agreements between universities and local businesses. Teachers' skills will be improved, not only through specific training on the use of equipment, but also by offering innovative modules on teaching methods, which necessarily, and not only because of the pandemic, must be updated and undergo a change of perspective that puts the student at the center, the development of practical skills and the verification of the real knowledge acquired or brief summary.

The project will also offer the possibility of participating remotely in advanced training programs, educational programs, hackathons, masterclasses, competitions, exhibitions, and other forms of educational events. This allows the courses to be open to the maximum number of potential participants.

The SILKWAY project begins in November 2024 and ends in October 2027.