QAZAQ GREEN. Kazakhstan and Finland are deepening cooperation in the energy sector, with a focus on renewable energy development, energy efficiency, and decarbonisation, the Ministry of Energy reported.

During the official visit of Finnish President Alexander Stubb to Astana, the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan and Finland’s Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment signed a Memorandum of Understanding on strategic energy cooperation. The document was signed by Kazakhstan’s Minister of Energy Yerlan Akkenzhenov and Finland’s Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment Timo Jaakkola.

The memorandum aims to expand bilateral cooperation in the green economy, covering areas such as clean and energy-efficient technologies, energy security, decarbonisation of electricity and heat generation, and the exchange of expertise and technology. Particular emphasis is placed on joint research and innovation projects between universities, companies, and research institutions of both countries.

Following the signing, Deputy Minister of Energy Sanzhar Zharkeshov held a meeting in Astana with Timo Jaakkola and representatives of Finnish companies including EastCham Finland, Wärtsilä, Finnvera, and Nurminen Logistics.

The meeting discussed prospects for joint investment and innovation projects and reaffirmed mutual interest in advancing green transition initiatives and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060. Kazakhstan expressed its commitment to deepening cooperation, sharing best practices, and attracting investment in sustainable energy.

Discussions also covered renewable energy development, infrastructure modernisation, and the introduction of smart energy systems. Kazakhstan highlighted its positive experience working with Wärtsilä and expressed interest in expanding this partnership.

To support the implementation of the memorandum, a bilateral working group was established, which held its first meeting last year. This year, the group plans to review specific projects and mechanisms for cooperation.

At the conclusion of the talks, both sides affirmed that the agreements reached mark an important step in strengthening their strategic partnership and lay the groundwork for future joint initiatives in sustainable and renewable energy.