Central Asia on the Threshold of Energy Transformation — Minister of Energy of Kazakhstan
As part of the RES-2026 Regional Environmental Summit in Astana, a key session was held on the topic "Ensuring a Sustainable Energy Future for Central Asia: Clean Energy and Innovation," organized with the participation of the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Asian Development Bank.
The event was attended by the Minister of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yerlan Akkenzhenov, representatives of government agencies of Central Asian countries, international organizations including the Asian Development Bank and the UNECE, as well as leading experts and business representatives of the energy sector.
Opening the session, the Minister of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan noted that Central Asia has significant potential for the development of clean energy and could become an important regional center for the energy transition. In his speech, he emphasized the need to ensure a balance between decarbonization, energy security, and sustainable economic growth.
During the first part of the session, participants discussed the development of renewable energy sources, the introduction of innovative solutions including energy storage systems, as well as prospects for regional energy integration and attracting investment. Particular attention was paid to blended financing mechanisms and tools for reducing investment risks.
The second part of the discussion was devoted to issues of a just energy transition, including human capital development, social sustainability, and the involvement of local communities. Participants emphasized the importance of forming comprehensive approaches that take into account both the technological and social aspects of the energy sector's transformation, including Kazakhstan's climatic conditions.
Following the session, it was noted that further development of regional cooperation, policy coordination, and experience exchange are key factors in accelerating the energy transition in Central Asia. Kazakhstan reaffirmed its commitment to developing sustainable energy, introducing innovative technologies, and strengthening international partnership in this field.
The Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan will continue working to create favorable conditions for attracting investment, developing renewable energy sources, and ensuring reliable and sustainable energy supply for the country.
Source: Press Service of the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan
https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/energo/press/news/details/1206994?lang=en
