QAZAQ GREEN. The first regional energy forum ‘Power Central Asia + China’ held as part of the Central Asia–China summit, has opened in Astana. The event served as a platform for the signing of strategically important agreements between Kazakhstan and leading Chinese companies, underscoring Kazakhstan’s growing role as a hub for energy integration and innovative development in the region.

The forum marked the beginning of a new phase of energy cooperation, highlighting the commitment of both sides to adopt advanced technologies and implement ambitious projects. A key milestone was the signing of a framework agreement with POWERCHINA, aimed at localising production, establishing a research and development centre, and launching a decarbonisation fund. Energy transformation was the central focus of the forum, with agreements concluded on digitalising the energy sector with Huawei, and on the development of high-voltage HVDC transmission lines and pumped storage power stations with China Southern Power Grid.

Special attention was given to renewable energy projects. For instance, a joint initiative with China Energy involves the construction of the Sauran solar power plant in the Turkestan region, while a memorandum with CNCECI outlines the development of a coal chemical facility with integrated gas processing. These efforts reflect Kazakhstan’s commitment to decarbonisation and building a low-carbon economy.

Other key outcomes of the forum include securing funding for Kazakh energy projects. An agreement with China Construction Bank will support the innovative initiatives of the QazaqGaz group. Additionally, agreements with Sinopec and Shanghai Jiao Tong University established the foundation for technological partnerships in deep hydrocarbon processing and the advancement of hydrogen technologies.

The forum functioned not only as a negotiation platform but also as a launchpad for new initiatives. A decision was made to create a permanent secretariat and develop a digital platform for project monitoring and education programs to train specialists for the future energy sector.

The participation of major energy stakeholders such as KEGOC, Samruk-Energy, QazaqGaz, along with international financial institutions, reflects the strategic significance of Power Central Asia + China. The forum opens a new chapter in regional dialogue with China, laying the groundwork for a sustainable, technologically advanced energy future.

The following documents were signed during the forum:

1.     Framework agreement with POWERCHINA on strategic cooperation in localisation, establishment of an R&D centre, and creation of a decarbonisation fund.

2.     Memorandum with China Southern Power Grid on joint projects in HVDC transmission, digital energy, and pumped storage hydropower.

3.     Memorandum with Huawei Kazakhstan on cooperation in digital energy transformation and cybersecurity.

4.     Purchase and sale agreement with China Energy Overseas Investment for the Sauran solar power project with integrated storage in the Turkestan region.

5.     Agreement between QazaqGaz and China Construction Bank to finance investment projects of the QazaqGaz group.

6.     Agreement with CNCECI on the development of a feasibility study for a coal chemical plant with a production capacity of up to 2 billion m³ of gas.

7.     Agreement with Sinopec on a technological partnership to develop deep processing products.

8.     Agreement with China Energy International and Shanghai Jiao Tong University on cooperation in hydrogen technologies and joint research and development.