QAZAQ GREEN. The inaugural Power Central Asia + China regional energy forum has opened in Astana, co-organised by the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Association for the Promotion of Infrastructure and Innovative Development (ASIIR). Held to coincide with the Central Asia–China Summit, the event gathered government officials and business leaders at the Hilton Astana to discuss and advance strategic initiatives in energy, industry, and high technology.

The forum aims to turn political will and interstate agreements into actionable projects. Its primary outcome will be the signing of major investment agreements and the launch of flagship projects that enhance Kazakhstan’s energy security, promote the deep processing of raw materials, and accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy.

In his opening remarks, Kazakhstan’s Minister of Energy Yerlan Akkenzhenov highlighted key priorities:

“Energy cooperation between Kazakhstan and China is at the heart of our strategic partnership. Today, as we enter a new era — the ‘golden thirty years’ — we are translating our shared vision into tangible actions,” said Kazakhstan’s Minister of Energy.
“Key initiatives include the modernisation of the Shymkent Oil Refinery, construction of a urea production facility in the Aktobe Region, and the launch of large-scale renewable energy projects. These are critical steps toward building a diversified, innovation-driven economy.”

At the plenary session, Kazakh and Chinese officials presented a range of joint initiatives, to be formalised through strategic agreements:

• Modernisation of the Shymkent Oil Refinery:  a framework agreement will be signed by the Ministry of Energy, KazMunayGas JSC, and CNPC to expand the refinery’s capacity to 12 million tonnes per year. The upgrade will boost Kazakhstan’s domestic processing capabilities and expand its export potential for refined petroleum products.

• Oil and Gas Chemical Industry: a new chapter in Kazakhstan’s gas chemical development begins with a framework agreement on the construction of a urea production facility in the Aktobe Region. Signed by the Ministry of Energy, KazMunayGas, CNPC, and the Aktobe regional akimat, the project is expected to play a key role in supporting the country’s agricultural sector and advancing its gas chemical industry.

• Gas Sector Development: in parallel with deep processing initiatives, the parties reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation in gas exploration and production. A trilateral declaration of support was signed for the Severny-1 project, with participation from the Ministry of Energy, QazaqGaz JSC, and CNPC — marking a significant step in strengthening collaboration in the hydrocarbon sector.

• Green Energy Initiatives: the forum also served as a launchpad for new green energy projects, including the construction of the Sauran Solar Power Plant with integrated energy storage. Memoranda of understanding are also planned with China Southern Power Grid to develop pumped storage power plants and with China Energy International for cooperation in hydrogen energy.

Chinese corporations — PowerChina, Huawei, and LONGi — have expressed their commitment not only to invest but also to localise cutting-edge technologies in Kazakhstan. Several agreements are expected to be signed during the forum, supporting the establishment of R&D centres, the rollout of digital solutions, and the development of high-tech manufacturing in the country.

Forum Conclusion and Project Launches

The forum will conclude with an official signing ceremony, bringing together key figures from the energy sector and major investors. Among the headline agreements are those related to the modernisation of the Shymkent Oil Refinery, the development of gas chemical production, and the implementation of renewable energy technologies.

The Power Central Asia + China forum reaffirmed the strategic importance of the Kazakhstan–China energy partnership. The agreements signed and the launch of forward-looking projects mark a significant step toward enhancing regional energy security and accelerating the shift toward a sustainable, low-carbon economy.