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.
U.S. President Donald Trump has said a peace agreement with Iran is scheduled to be signed on Sunday in a post on social media, despite Tehran's Fore...
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for 13 June, covering the latest developments you need to know....
As the 2026 World Cup kicked off on 11 June across North America, U.S. visa restrictions and travel policies have made it impossible for supporters, ...
Every June, roughly 13 million young people in China sit down at the same time to take the same test. They have been preparing for it, in many cases, ...
European museums are increasingly returning cultural artefacts to countries in Africa and the Middle East, as pressure grows to address the legacy of ...
U.S. President Donald Trump has said a peace agreement with Iran is scheduled to be signed on Sunday in a post on social media, despite Tehran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei saying no deal would be approved this weekend.
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for 13 June, covering the latest developments you need to know.
As the 2026 World Cup kicked off on 11 June across North America, U.S. visa restrictions and travel policies have made it impossible for supporters, football officials and even a FIFA-appointed referee to attend. It's raised a lot of questions about access to such a high-profile global event.
Every June, roughly 13 million young people in China sit down at the same time to take the same test. They have been preparing for it, in many cases, since primary school. Their families have rearranged their lives around it.
SpaceX has made history with the largest initial public offering ever in the United States, pricing its shares at $135 each and achieving a market valuation of $1.77 trillion.
SpaceX made a historic entrance into the Nasdaq on Friday, surging over 20% in its first day of trading and lifting its valuation to more than $2 trillion. Investors flocked to the world’s largest IPO, betting on Elon Musk’s sprawling empire spanning rockets, AI and beyond.
Pakistan has warned that any attempt by India to block or significantly reduce river flows under the Indus Waters Treaty could have “far-reaching consequences”, after India's water minister said New Delhi was working to ensure that “not a single drop” of water reaches Pakistan in the coming years.
Armenia has every right to choose Europe. But Europe’s support for Armenia’s direction should not become automatic approval of its political process.
U.S. President Donald Trump has said a peace agreement with Iran is scheduled to be signed on Sunday in a post on social media, despite Tehran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei saying no deal would be approved this weekend.
Uzbekistan will launch a new digital financial platform from 1 July aimed at simplifying access to finance for entrepreneurs, as part of broader efforts to support small businesses, encourage innovation and accelerate private sector development.
Pakistan has warned that any attempt by India to block or significantly reduce river flows under the Indus Waters Treaty could have “far-reaching consequences”, after India's water minister said New Delhi was working to ensure that “not a single drop” of water reaches Pakistan in the coming years.
The global race to develop quantum computing is accelerating, with governments and technology firms investing heavily in what is expected to become a major new computing era.
Japan’s birth rate and fertility levels have fallen to their lowest levels on record, highlighting the country’s worsening demographic crisis as fewer people marry and have children.
Iran said no final decision has been made on a proposed agreement with Washington, despite suggestions from U.S. President Donald Trump that a deal could soon be signed in a European capital.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment