Kazakhstan’s Energy Minister Champions Enhanced Cooperation and Risk Management for Central Asia
On Tuesday, the inaugural meeting of energy ministers from Central Asian countries took place in Astana, led by Kazakhstan's Minister of Energy, Almasadam Satkaliyev.
In his opening remarks, Satkaliyev highlighted the significant potential for enhancing energy cooperation and strengthening ties between the Central Asian nations. He pointed out the current challenges, including global disruptions in energy supply stability, fluctuations in oil and gas prices, and other factors affecting the region.
To address these issues, Satkaliyev proposed developing mechanisms to forecast and manage energy sector risks. He stressed the importance of boosting cooperation, expanding energy trade opportunities, and focusing on low-carbon initiatives to achieve carbon neutrality and a gradual energy transition.
The minister also emphasized the need for attracting investment and executing large joint technological projects to modernize energy infrastructure in the region. He suggested exploring collaborative projects in the gas sector as well.
Satkaliyev noted that Kazakhstan is embarking on global green energy projects with Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan and is in discussions about constructing the Kambarata HPP-1 hydroelectric power station with Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. He proposed considering similar projects in the gas sector with other regional states.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the Central Asian energy ministers signed a communiqué, which will serve as a foundation for future cooperation in key energy areas among the participating countries.
