Astana Hosts Third Central Asia and Europe Regional Forum on Decarbonization

Astana was the venue for the Third Central Asia and Europe Regional Forum on Decarbonization, continuing the series of annual political and sectoral events. The forum was co-organized by the Ministry of Energy and the GIZ Hydrogen Diplomacy Office in Astana (H2 diplo) as part of the 'H2-diplo - Decarbonization Diplomacy' project.

Deputy Minister of Energy Sanzhar Zharkeshov delivered the welcoming address at the forum, highlighting that the development of renewable energy sources, decarbonization, modernization of electrical grids, energy security, and regional integration are becoming interconnected pillars of sustainable development.

Currently, Kazakhstan has 170 renewable energy facilities with a total installed capacity of approximately 3.8 GW. To achieve a 15% share of renewable energy by 2030 and a 50% share of alternative and low-carbon energy by 2050, annual auctions and the implementation of large-scale projects with strategic investors will continue. According to the electricity development plan up to 2035, at least 8.4 GW of renewable energy capacities are planned to be introduced.

Particular emphasis is placed on the development of electrical grids, energy storage systems, balancing and enhancing the flexibility of the energy system, as well as regional cooperation and cross-border electricity trade.

The development of hydrogen energy was identified as a promising direction. Kazakhstan is exploring the potential of low-carbon hydrogen, its industrial applications, and opportunities for decarbonizing hard-to-abate emissions.

The forum also underscored the need to develop the scientific and technological base, including energy storage technologies, energy system management, generation forecasting, electrical grids, and hydrogen energy.

reports ЖКХ24 citing the Ministry of Energy's website.

Photo: gov.kz