Kazakhstan Implements Wider Hydrogen Energy Strategy, Boosted by Collaboration with China and Germany
In a significant stride towards a greener future, Kazakhstan is actively advancing its hydrogen energy sector, driven by a national development concept that extends through 2030 and 2035. Here's a look at the current status and future plans of this ambitious project.
## Current Status
Kazakhstan has outlined a comprehensive strategy to develop hydrogen production, storage, and transportation. The Ministry of Energy is implementing pilot projects to test technologies, attract investors, and build the necessary technical and regulatory base. One of the most significant projects is the Hyrasia One project in the Mangystau Region, backed by Germany's Svevind Energy Group. This project aims to build substantial renewable energy capacity and produce up to 2 million tons of green hydrogen annually. The preliminary engineering study has been completed, and a two-year environmental impact assessment is underway.
Kazakhstan is fostering partnerships with international partners such as China and Germany. The country is collaborating with China Energy Corporation to localize hydrogen production and create a regional hydrogen cluster. Additionally, Kazakhstan is engaged in the German-Kazakh Hydrogen Dialogue to explore hydrogen export opportunities.
## Future Plans
By 2026, Kazakhstan plans to start using hydrogen in combined-cycle power plants. In 2027, hydrogen will be introduced into public transport, and by 2028, the first hydrogen filling stations are expected to launch. The development of hydrogen technologies is seen as a strategic opportunity for economic diversification, achieving carbon neutrality by 2060, and integrating into global clean energy supply chains.
The Hyrasia One project, if successful, could generate nearly 40 gigawatts of renewable energy and produce up to 2 million tons of green hydrogen annually, or around 11 million tons of ammonia. This project is expected to create up to 1,800 jobs.
The Kazakh hydrogen roadmap includes the use of hydrogen in combined-cycle power plants, public transport, and the establishment of hydrogen filling stations. Ongoing research with international partners focuses on areas not previously mentioned, such as water resources, infrastructure, transport logistics, and hydrogen export potential to the European Union.
A dialogue has been established between the Kazakh Ministry of Energy and China Energy Corporation for potential hydrogen production localization, Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) contracts, and the creation of a regional hydrogen cluster.
Deputy Minister of Energy Ilyas Bakytzhan outlined the country's hydrogen roadmap during a June 23 session in the Mazhilis, emphasizing Kazakhstan's commitment to a sustainable and prosperous future through hydrogen energy.
With these ambitious plans and international support, Kazakhstan is poised to become a key player in the global hydrogen market.
In the pursuit of economic diversification and carbon neutrality, Kazakhstan plans to integrate its hydrogen technologies into global clean energy supply chains, particularly among the finance and business sectors, as hydrogen will be used in combined-cycle power plants by 2026 and hydrogen filling stations are expected to launch by 2028. Notably, the Hyrasia One project, in collaboration with international partners such as Germany, aims to generate significant revenue through the production of up to 2 million tons of green hydrogen annually, potentially creating up to 1,800 jobs.
To further boost the hydrogen energy sector, Kazakhstan has established a dialogue with China Energy Corporation for potential hydrogen production localization, opening up opportunities for financial investment and industry collaboration, contributing to the growth of the energy industry on a regional and global level.
