Industry news

The first meeting of energy ministers of Central Asian countries was held in Astana on Tuesday. The event was chaired by the Minister of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan Almasadam Satkaliev, the press service of the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Opening the meeting, the head of the Ministry of Energy of Kazakhstan noted the enormous potential in the development of energy cooperation and in strengthening existing ties between the countries of Central Asia.

According to him, among the challenges the Central Asian countries are facing today are global disruptions in the stability of energy supplies, fluctuations in oil and gas prices and other factors.

«To ensure security of energy supply, it is essential to develop mechanisms to anticipate and manage these challenges, and to strengthen cooperation between our countries», Satkaliyev suggested.

Moreover, he called on his colleagues to intensify work to strengthen cooperation by enhancing energy trade opportunities, as well as low-carbon development, carbon neutrality and a phased energy transition.

«Additionally, an significant factor in the development of regional cooperation is the comprehensive attraction of investments and implementation of major joint technological projects in the energy sector, with the aim of stimulating the development of modern energy infrastructure in Central Asian countries», the minister noted.

According to Satkaliyev, the possibility of implementing joint projects in the gas industry should also be explored.

The head of the Ministry of Energy of Kazakhstan recalled that Kazakhstan is currently launching a global project on the development and transmission of green energy with the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Uzbekistan, as well as actively discussing the construction of a large hydropower plant Kambarata HPP-1 with the Kyrgyz Republic and the Republic of Uzbekistan.

«In this regard, I propose to consider the possibility of implementing similar projects with the states of the region, particularly in the gas sector», - he suggested.

Following the meeting, the heads of Central Asian energy agencies signed a communique that will lay the foundation for further successful cooperation in all key areas between the countries.