The Imperative of Diversifying Green Energy Sources: Is Kazakhstan the Key to Europe’s Sustainable Future?
Supplied by Astana International Forum
Europe’s fervent commitment to decarbonisation is laudable, yet its current approach to expanding renewable production shows concerning signs of over-reliance on a few select energy sources that are prone to disruption and intermittency. Eurostat data from 2024 indicates that wind and hydro power alone accounted for over two-thirds of the total electricity generated from renewable sources (39.1% and 29.9% respectively) in the EU, leaving the continent vulnerable to supply chain disruptions and regional weather variations.
Envision the fallout from a string of unusually still, cloudy days across Northern Europe, plunging nations into energy deficits. Or consider the political ramifications of relying heavily on a single supplier for critical wind turbine components. A truly resilient, secure, and sustainable energy future for Europe demands a diversified strategy—one that leverages a broad range of renewable resources and fosters partnerships with reliable international partners.
The dangers of energy monoculture are clear. Over-reliance on a single energy source makes any system vulnerable to weather patterns, geopolitical instability, and technological disruptions. Moreover, focusing solely on readily available solutions risks overlooking promising alternatives, like green hydrogen, geothermal, or even advanced nuclear technologies. A balanced approach is essential, both in terms of the technologies employed and the countries with which Europe partners. Diversification spreads risk, fosters innovation, and enhances energy independence—all crucial pillars of a robust and sustainable energy future.
Kazakhstan, a nation poised to redefine its role from fossil fuel provider to one of the players in Europe’s green energy transition.
Historically associated with fossil fuels, Kazakhstan is charting a new course. The Central Asian nation is proactively repositioning itself as a strong contributor to the global renewable energy landscape, presenting Europe with a strategic opportunity to bolster its energy security.
Kazakhstan's shift is driven by economic pragmatism and a commitment to sustainability. The nation has embraced global trends toward carbon neutrality, setting targets to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060. This commitment is further solidified by concrete goals to elevate the share of renewable energy sources in its national energy balance to 15% by 2030 and an impressive 50% by 2050.
What distinguishes Kazakhstan is its commitment to new renewable energy projects and its strategic geographic position. Unlike smaller nations with limited resource potential, Kazakhstan has substantial potential for wind and solar energy. These resources are strategically located, and, through investment and innovation, they can efficiently contribute to Europe's energy supply.
Kazakhstan’s commitment to becoming a green energy hub is exemplified by its ambitious initiatives. Take, for example, the Hyrasia One project, a €50 billion ($54 billion) investment poised to establish a major green hydrogen production facility in the Mangystau region. With production slated to commence in 2030, this project leverages Kazakhstan’s vast renewable energy resources, and signals a long-term commitment to sustainable energy production and export.
Complementing this effort, Kazakhstan is actively forging alliances to facilitate the transportation of green energy to European markets. A testament to this is the strategic partnership with Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan to develop a green energy corridor. This collaboration encompasses ambitious plans for an undersea cable beneath the Caspian Sea, creating a direct conduit for the export of clean energy to Europe.
Furthermore, Kazakhstan's government is actively seeking opportunities and partnerships with other nations, such as China, and organizations including Masdar (UAE’s clean energy investment company) and the Asian Development Bank, to deliver green projects. Anticipated investments approaching $4 billion aim to modernize Kazakhstan's energy production by delivering new renewable energy infrastructure. This endeavor underscores Kazakhstan's dedication to transforming its energy landscape and becoming a player in the global green energy transition.
These initiatives are concrete steps towards transforming Kazakhstan into a reliable and significant supplier of green energy to Europe. While the country is taking important steps, there are still challenges that need to be addressed for the development of renewables and green energy, such as upgrading existing electrical infrastructure to support new renewable production.
Underscoring its commitment to international collaboration, Kazakhstan will host the Astana International Forum 2025 (AIF25) on May 29-30. A platform for advancing its green energy agenda on a global scale, AIF25 is envisioned as a core event for fostering international dialogue and cooperation, striking on innovative ways to tackle the future energy transition collaboratively. Multilateral cooperation will be at the heart of discussions, forging partnerships to navigate this complex energy future transformation effectively. This forum reflects Kazakhstan’s understanding that transitioning to a sustainable energy future requires a collective global effort, one that transcends borders and leverages shared expertise.
Kazakhstan’s strategic location and its proactive pursuit of renewable energy solutions offer Europe a potential pathway to energy resilience. By diversifying its energy partners and embracing innovative projects like Hyrasia One, Europe can strengthen its energy security while fostering sustainable development in Central Asia. The window of opportunity is now, before over-reliance on limited green energy options leaves Europe vulnerable to unforeseen challenges and geopolitical shifts. Investing in a partnership with Kazakhstan is not just about securing a new energy source; it's about building a more secure, sustainable, and resilient energy future for Europe.
