QAZAQ GREEN.  A practical training on decarbonizing Kazakhstan's metallurgical sector has launched in Astana with the support of GIZ, the international Global Factor Сonsulting, and the Ecojer and Qazaq Green associations. This initiative is part of the IKI regional project on climate policy in Central Asia, aimed at raising awareness among industry leaders about modern decarbonization solutions and the integration of renewable energy.

Dana Yermolyonok, Project Manager for CDCP III project in Kazakhstan, emphasized that GIZ has been working in Kazakhstan for many years, supporting the country's efforts towards decarbonisation and the transition to a green economy. The organisation has been actively engaged in economic modelling for low-carbon development, particularly in preparing a strategy to achieve carbon neutrality. As part of the CDCP III programme, GIZ has focused its efforts on the industrial sector, exploring opportunities for decarbonisation and engaging with the private sector. They have conducted several studies on the feasibility of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the metallurgy sector, collaborating with Ecojer and Qazaq Green associations, with an emphasis on the use of renewable energy.

"We would also like to present our work on developing low-carbon business models in the metals sector. These models demonstrate, using examples of individual companies, what approaches are feasible and economically viable in Kazakhstan, while leveraging international experience. Additionally, we have prepared a general overview of technological solutions, opportunities, and barriers to decarbonisation in the metallurgical industry. GIZ engaged Global Factor, a global team with experts from Spain, Moldova, and Australia for this task. Our project aims to contribute to Kazakhstan's ongoing low-carbon transition processes, such as the development of a roadmap for a carbon neutrality strategy, and to initiate discussions among various stakeholders.

GIZ's portfolio of green projects in Kazakhstan is extensive and spans multiple areas of climate policy, including the development of renewable energy, energy efficiency in buildings, and the exploration of green hydrogen. This reflects Germany's strong commitment to supporting climate action," said Dana Yermolyonok during the opening of the training.

Craig Menzies, Head of the Department of Energy, Global Factor Сonsulting, alongside colleagues Abdul Qader and Alex Bologa, is leading this week’s training. Menzies explained that the course aims to share international experience and provide participants with the practical tools and knowledge to decarbonize Kazakhstan’s metallurgical sector.

“Basically, the training is split over four days, the first part is two days focused on the use of renewable energy within the metallurgical sector and we focus on things like international practices. Next, the potential for using renewables in Kazakhstan in the metallurgical sector, business models, economic, and financial aspects. Then, in the next two days, we will focus on decarbonization of the metallurgical sector," Craig Menzies stated.

Timur Shalabaev, Executive Director of Qazaq Green RES Association, noted that participants will also gain insight into Kazakhstan’s renewable energy development, including the institutional and policy frameworks, challenges, and opportunities faced by businesses and investors.

The training consists of two key components:

Renewable energy in metallurgy: Covering the economic, technical, and business models for integrating renewable energy into the steel industry.

Wider decarbonization of metallurgical processes: Focusing on reducing greenhouse gas emissions in key production stages.

The training addresses the economic, technical, and political challenges of transitioning to low-carbon production, with particular attention to market competitiveness, regulatory hurdles, and financing solutions. Participants are introduced to management strategies for low-emission production and international market development for low-carbon steel products.

Each session includes case studies, discussions, and practical recommendations for participants to implement in their own projects. The training strengthens Kazakhstan’s decarbonization efforts and enhances its international competitiveness in the transition to carbon neutrality.