Kazakhstan’s National Nuclear Center, a part of the country’s Ministry of Energy, signed a memorandum of understanding with China Energy Overseas Investment Co., Ltd. and Shanghai Jiao Tong University to create Central Asia’s first Scientific and Technical Innovation Center for Hydrogen Energy. The new facility will be located in Kurchatov, a city within Kazakhstan’s Abai Region, according to a statement released by the Ministry of Energy.
The proposed center aims to serve as a hub for scientific research, testing, and the implementation of advanced hydrogen-energy technologies. Through this initiative, Kazakhstan seeks to enhance its competitive position in the growing global hydrogen market, foster international collaboration in green energy solutions, support innovative projects, and cultivate highly qualified specialists in the field.
“Hydrogen energy is one of the key areas of the global energy transition,” remarked Kazakhstan’s Deputy Minister of Energy, Bakytzhan Ilyas. “Our country has significant potential in this area, and the establishment of this center in Kurchatov will unlock new opportunities for the advancement of science, technology, and industry.”
The establishment of the innovation center is closely aligned with Kazakhstan’s broader climate and energy goals. The project will support the nation’s ambitious objective to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060 and encourage the adoption of environmentally friendly energy technologies.
In September 2024, Kazakhstan formally approved its Concept for the Development of Hydrogen Energy through 2030, outlining core objectives such as fulfilling international greenhouse gas reduction commitments, advancing national carbon-neutrality targets, and expanding access to sustainable energy sources.
While hydrogen technologies form a central part of Kazakhstan’s long-term low-carbon strategy, the global hydrogen sector remains nascent, and significant technical and economic challenges must still be addressed before widespread adoption becomes feasible.
