Central Asia, EU Forge Hydrogen Path for Green Transition

ASTANA — Green hydrogen, renewable integration and tighter European Union-Central Asia cooperation are pivotal to a just energy transition, said energy and foreign policy leaders during the second Central Asian Regional Forum on Decarbonization Diplomacy on Sept. 16 in Astana.

The event gathered more than 150 participants from government, international organizations, business, academia, and civil society. The sessions discussed national hydrogen roadmaps, renewable grid integration, inclusivity, investment conditions, and regional certification for a trusted hydrogen market.

The event featured the signing of a cooperation agreement between the Kazakh Ministry of Energy and the German Hydrogen Diplomacy Office in Astana.

One of the major steps in Kazakhstan’s hydrogen plans is the Hyrasia One project in the Mangystau Region, backed by Germany’s Svevind Energy Group, which envisions 40 gigawatts of wind and solar capacity to desalinate water and produce up to two million tons of green hydrogen annually. Issetov noted that this project positions Kazakhstan as a promising supplier of clean hydrogen to both European and Central Asian markets.

To advance the energy transition, Turganov outlined four priorities: improving the investment climate, creating a regional certification system based on EU models, supporting research and training, and expanding cross-border projects.

Vice Energy Minister Bakytzhan Ilyas reinforced this vision, highlighting the need to diversify away from oil, gas, and coal. He said renewables and hydrogen technologies are crucial not only for reducing emissions but also for strengthening energy security. However, he noted challenges, with nearly 90% of renewable projects dependent on imported technologies from Europe and China. He said that developing a domestic industrial base is now a top priority.

Kazakhstan’s long-term energy master plan through 2035 has been approved, but Ilyas highlighted the need to refine it to include flexible hydropower generation. EU Ambassador Aleška Simkić reminded participants that current global policies put the world on track for a 2.7-degree Celsius rise, far above the Paris Agreement’s 1.5-degree target.