Kazakhstan Boosts Hydrogen Energy Initiatives Backed by China and Germany

Kazakhstan is advancing its hydrogen energy sector with backing from international partners such as China and Germany and is assessing opportunities to export hydrogen to the European Union.

During a June 23 session in the Mazhilis, Deputy Minister of Energy Ilyas Bakytzhan presented the country’s hydrogen roadmap, emphasizing developments in infrastructure, pilot initiatives, and global collaboration, The Caspian Post reports citing Kazakh media.

According to Bakytzhan, the Ministry of Energy is actively implementing a national hydrogen development concept through 2030. The strategy includes pilot projects to test technologies, attract investors, and build the country’s technical and regulatory base, reported the Mazhilis press service.

“By 2026, we plan to begin using hydrogen in combined-cycle power plants. In 2027, we aim to introduce hydrogen into public transport, and by 2028, we intend to launch the first hydrogen filling stations,” Bakytzhan said.

One of the biggest steps in Kazakhstan’s hydrogen plans is the Hyrasia One project in the Mangystau Region, backed by Germany’s Svevind Energy Group. The project aims to build a huge amount of renewable energy, nearly 40 gigawatts, and could produce up to 2 million tons of green hydrogen each year, or around 11 million tons of ammonia.

According to Bakytzhan, the preliminary engineering study has been completed, and a two-year environmental impact assessment is currently underway. The project is expected to create up to 1,800 jobs.

The Ministry of Energy is also engaging with international partners. A dialogue has been established with the hydrogen diplomacy office in Astana, and ongoing research focuses on water resources, infrastructure, transport logistics, and hydrogen export potential to the European Union.

Bakytzhan highlighted growing cooperation with China in the hydrogen sector. Kazakhstan is partnering with China Energy Corporation, which has shown interest in localizing hydrogen production, entering into EPC (engineering, procurement, and construction) contracts, and creating a regional hydrogen cluster.