Brussels has become the stage for a pivotal shift in Central Asia’s energy policy, with a focus on sustainable development, access to investment, and geopolitical reorientation towards Europe.
Kazakhstan has solidified its role as a key partner of the European Union in the field of sustainable energy, signing a series of strategically important agreements with the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) in Brussels.
The agreements which were signed during Global Gateway Forum, are expected to unlock access to investments in renewable energy projects, grid modernisation, and the construction of major hydroelectric power plants, including the large-scale Kambar-Ata-1 HPP in Kyrgyzstan.
Kazakhstan’s Minister of Energy, Erlan Akkenzhenov, held a series of meetings with European leaders and representatives of international financial institutions, marking a step forward in aligning Astana’s energy agenda with that of Brussels.
The memoranda signed reflect the EU’s growing interest in diversifying sources of critical raw materials and energy infrastructure, particularly as geopolitical dynamics shift across the region.
At the heart of the energy cooperation lies the Kambar-Ata-1 hydroelectric project on the Naryn River, estimated to cost of $5-6 billion and expected to take at least 15 years to complete.
The European Union has pledged $2.4 billion to support the initiative, which involves Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.
Bishkek has signed financing agreements worth $1 billion with the EIB and the EBRD - including memoranda of understanding for $500 million from each bank. Under a tripartite agreement reached in early 2023, Kazakhstan (33%), Kyrgyzstan (34%) and Uzbekistan (33%) will co-own the project company responsible for construction.
Upon completion, full ownership of the dam and power plant will be transferred to Kyrgyzstan.
The EU views the project as part of its broader Global Gateway strategy, designed to deepen trade and investment ties with Central Asian nations.
Presented as an alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, Global Gateway encompasses key areas such as transport, raw materials, digital connectivity, water management and energy.
A central pillar of the initiative is the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor - also known as the Middle Corridor - a 6,500 km trade route linking China to Europe via Central Asia and the Caucasus, bypassing Russia.
In addition, the EBRD is preparing a separate portfolio of projects worth €7-8 billion, to be implemented by 2027.
These investments will target strategically important sectors such as critical mineral extraction and renewable energy development
Kazakhstan and the EU are also working to implement a 2025-2026 roadmap within the framework of their Memorandum of Understanding on critical raw materials, batteries and green hydrogen.
The document formalises a shared commitment to sustainable, technology-driven energy development, aligned with the global green transition.
This growing energy partnership between the EU and Kazakhstan highlights not only the region’s investment potential but also its strategic importance in an evolving geopolitical landscape.
As the war in Ukraine reshapes regional dynamics and China expands its economic footprint, Brussels is moving to strengthen its presence in Central Asia - a region that is becoming increasingly central to global supply chains for both energy and resources.
Gen Z protests swept 34 German cities on Saturday (31 October) over education, living costs and military service proposals. Violence erupted in Fra...
Iran designated Britain's Royal Navy and Royal Air Force as terrorist organisations on Sunday, (1 November), and classified the country's f...
Since 2021, only 9 per cent of $8 billion in humanitarian aid for Afghanistan can be traced beyond initial recipients in public re...
The U.S. has approved the sale of 500 Patriot PAC-3 missiles to Ukraine in a deal worth an estimated $2.1 billion, but Kyiv could face years of delays before receiving the weapons it urgently needs to defend against intensifying Russian attacks.
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei has ordered Iran's armed forces to respond to any threat immediately and without geographical limits in statements posted to social media platforms on Saturday (31 October).
Demonstrators carrying Iranian flags and placards supporting the hijab gathered outside the Azerbaijani Embassy in London.
A Chinese-made AI chip has matched Nvidia’s H200 in tests conducted by its developer, marking a potential breakthrough in China’s efforts to reduce its dependence on foreign technology.
A hacking group linked to North Korea is widely believed to be behind the theft of $6.3 billion from cryptocurrency giant Binance, a cyberattack that experts describe as the largest cryptocurrency heist on record.
Since 2021, only 9 per cent of $8 billion in humanitarian aid for Afghanistan can be traced beyond initial recipients in public records, a Kabul Institute report released on 22 October said. The United Nations says its oversight systems ensure accountability.
Opium poppy cultivation in Afghanistan surged by 330 per cent in 2026 despite a four-year ban, the United Nations said on Thursday. Afghan authorities disputed the findings, while Japan urged continued support for farmers seeking alternative livelihoods.
Demonstrators carrying Iranian flags and placards supporting the hijab gathered outside the Azerbaijani Embassy in London.
Central Asia could gain up to $640 million a year from closer energy cooperation, but strained electricity grids threaten to limit those gains, with Kazakhstan particularly exposed to regional power shortages and growing pressure on its network.
Georgia and Azerbaijan are stepping up efforts to boost trade, strengthen transport links between Asia and Europe and resolve a longstanding border dispute, as both countries seek to deepen their strategic partnership.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment