ASTANA, Kazakhstan, April 23. Minister of
Energy of Kazakhstan Yerlan Akkenzhenov and Asian Development Bank
(ADB) Director General Yevgeniy Zhukov discussed prospects for
cooperation in the energy sector, Trend reports via the ministry.
The talks took place on the sidelines of the Regional Ecological
Summit in Astana.
The minister highlighted ADB’s significant contribution to the
modernization of Kazakhstan’s energy infrastructure, the
introduction of advanced technologies, and the development of
sustainable energy solutions.
Special attention was given to the outcomes of negotiations
between the Government of Kazakhstan and ADB leadership in March
2026. Following those discussions, a Memorandum was signed
providing for the implementation of 15 projects worth approximately
$5.5 billion during 2026-2029.
It was noted that one of the key areas of cooperation is the
modernization of district heating systems. In this context, the
importance of the 2024 Law “On Heat Energy” was emphasized, which
established a modern regulatory framework for the development of
the sector.
The sides also discussed joint work on developing regional heat
supply schemes aimed at improving energy efficiency, reducing
losses, and upgrading combined heat and power plants, boiler
stations, and heat networks.
Decarbonization efforts and the introduction of modern
technologies were also in focus, including gas-based solutions,
thermal energy storage systems, and digital management of heating
networks.
In addition, the meeting addressed prospects for cooperation in
the development of electricity grids, the deployment of Smart Grid
technologies, and energy storage systems to enhance grid stability
amid the growing share of renewable energy sources.
The document signed in March 2026 opens up opportunities for the
implementation of new large-scale projects in the economy. In
particular, initiatives are planned in areas such as regional
connectivity, strengthening resilience to natural disasters, water
resources management, development of housing and communal services,
and the residential market of Kazakhstan, among others. The ADB
will also continue financing the private sector, including projects
in agriculture, transport, logistics, and other key industries.
In addition, a contract was signed between KazAvtoZhol and ADB
for the construction of a 102-kilometer bypass road around the city
of Saryagash, with access to Uzbekistan via the B. Konysbaev border
crossing point.
