QAZAQ GREEN. On the sidelines of the International Energy Forum BEW 2026 in Baku, Kazakhstan’s Minister of Energy Yerlan Akkenzhenov spoke at a roundtable hosted by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), focused on accelerating the deployment of renewable energy sources (RES) across Central Asia.
In his address, the Minister emphasized that Kazakhstan’s strategic policy priority remains striking a balance between modernizing energy infrastructure, expanding green generation, and reinforcing energy security.
Under the Paris Agreement, Kazakhstan has set a target of achieving carbon neutrality by 2060. The country’s current RES share in total power generation has already reached 7%, with plans to raise that figure to 15% by 2030. To meet these goals, the Ministry of Energy will continue holding transparent auctions for RES project selection, as well as advancing large-scale systemic projects with strategic investors.
Special attention was given to the APRECA initiative, proposed by IRENA to foster cooperation across Central Asia. Kazakhstan views the initiative as an additional platform for regional engagement and knowledge-sharing, while stressing that any energy transition mechanisms must be implemented strictly in line with each country’s national priorities.
Among the key conditions for the stable integration of renewables, the Kazakhstani side highlighted the development of energy storage systems, modernization of conventional transmission infrastructure, adoption of smart grid management, and greater flexibility in cross-border energy ties.
Minister Akkenzhenov concluded that Kazakhstan is open to pragmatic dialogue with IRENA and regional partners to jointly develop technological solutions aimed at sustainable economic growth and enhanced energy security across Central Asia.
Additionally, Yerlan Akkenzhenov participated in the Ministerial Plenary Session titled “International Cooperation for a Sustainable and Diversified Energy Future,” where discussions centered on strengthening international partnerships, ensuring energy security, and advancing sustainable energy sources.
