Hydrogen holds a strategic position in the global energy transition. Green hydrogen which is produced from renewable energy sources, is seen as a crucial tool for decarbonizing energy systems. This type of energy is considered to be the energy source of the future due to its potential applications in various fields, from electricity generation to heavy industry, transportation to storage. However, the widespread applicability of hydrogen depends on a few factors such as reducing its production costs, solving transportation issues, and governments establishing strong incentivization policies. Particularly the European Union (EU) and Asian countries have been heavily investing in hydrogen technologies to promote transformation towards more sustainable alternatives in the energy sector.
Climate change and the increasing potential of renewable energy have long been among the key topics on the global agenda, being shaped through various state projects and investments. In this respect, different energy projects and transformations are being prioritized in Central Asian countries. Natural resources, green energy, and sustainability have become critical parts of these countries’ energy sectors. Central Asian countries have also been investing in this field. The policies implemented and investments made by these countries help the energy sector become more sustainable in the region. Moreover, Central Asian countries serve as an important energy source for neighboring countries and Europe.
The gradual development of renewable energy sources in Central Asia also brings important steps supporting green hydrogen production. In this regard, the Central Asian and European Hydrogen Diplomacy Forum brought together high-level officials from Kazakhstan, policymakers, energy professionals, EU members, and representatives of international organizations. At the forum, replacing the fossil fuels with green hydrogen at both regional and international levels was discussed[1]
With global commitments to reducing reliance on fossil fuels, green hydrogen is gaining increasing importance among Central Asian countries. The EU is planning to produce 10 million tons of green hydrogen and import 10 million tons annually by 2030. Kazakhstan is making steady progress toward becoming one of the EU’s hydrogen suppliers with its potential to generate cheap renewable energy from wind and solar sources.
Developments regarding green hydrogen have gained momentum with the Memorandum of Understanding on Raw Materials, Batteries, and Renewable Hydrogen, signed between Kazakhstan and the EU in 2022. At the forum, green hydrogen policies and decarbonization strategies for the region were discussed as part of the SECCA project.[2]
China has become a key actor in Central Asia through energy projects and international collaborations. China’s Green Silk Road Initiative has created an opportunity to extend Central Asia’s renewable energy potential to the global scale. The Memorandum of Understanding signed between the China International Technology Transfer Center and Kazakhstan International Green Technologies and Investments Center aims to establish a common ground for green hydrogen and other sustainable energy projects. These cooperations between Kazakhstan and China both support economic growth and allow for the diversification of the energy sector. Particularly the production and trade of hydrogen energy presents a strategic opportunity to strengthen Central Asia’s position in the global energy landscape.[3]
Central Asia still heavily relies on fossil fuels for energy production despite having access to diverse renewable energy sources, particularly hydrogen. The integration of renewable energy sources in the region not only facilitates the energy transition but also contributes to global efforts against the climate crisis by increasing energy security. In this process, R&D (Research and Development) plays a crucial role in the modernization of energy infrastructure and ensures the efficient use of renewable energy. To promote the sustainable use of energy resources and encourage regional cooperation, green energy corridors play a significant role. Azerbaijan, which hosted COP29, has taken important steps toward becoming a regional center for this transition.
The success of renewable energy projects is directly linked to investments in research and development activities In addition to ensuring the efficiency of renewable resources, R&D also facilitates the development of innovative technologies for the integration of these resources. Central Asian countries have been working on various initiatives in this field.
Kazakhstan has the highest wind energy potential in the region and aims to create employment opportunities and reduce logistical difficulties by promoting local production of wind turbines. Additionally, significant efforts are being made to assess the wind potential of the Caspian Sea. Furthermore, the development of smart grid technologies has gained importance for integrating renewable energy systems.
Uzbekistan has been focusing on energy storing technologies and utility-scale solar energy projects as part of their decarbonization strategies. Uzbekistan aims to increase the share of renewable sources in energy consumption to 25% by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. To achieve these goals, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has launched the Green Hydrogen Center initiative. This initiative aims to accelerate the transformation of Uzbekistan’s energy sector by utilizing its hydrogen potential. At a related meeting, Uzbekistan’s Deputy Minister of Energy Umid Mamadaminov and USAID representatives discussed the stages and strategic objectives of this center. The center is expected to strengthen Uzbekistan’s renewable energy infrastructure and train local human capital as part of the country’s “Renewable and Hydrogen Energy Development Strategy”. Previously, USAID established a partnership between the University of Delaware and Tashkent State Technical University to develop graduate-level education programs in green hydrogen. These academic collaborations contribute not only to technological advancements but also to the sustainable development of the regional energy sector.[4]
Kyrgyzstan, with its geographical structure and water resources, has great potential for hydroelectric energy production.The country’s hydroelectric potential is estimated to be 55 terawatt-hours (TWh), yet a significant portion of this potential remains unused. The modernization of existing hydroelectric plants and the construction of new ones provide a critical opportunity to increase energy supply and reduce import dependency.[5] Currently, R&D activities in Kyrgyzstan are very limited because of a lack of state funding and the small market size of the country. Research institutes of the National Academy of Sciences receive little government support, making it difficult to implement innovative projects for the time being. Additionally, regional hydroelectric projects developed between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan not only boost energy production but also promote regional cooperation. These projects are expected to contribute significantly to energy security by enabling more efficient energy resource distribution in the region.
Tajikistan has prioritized increasing energy production and expanding access to energy in rural areas, where 70% of its population lives. The country has set a target to produce one million metric tons of green hydrogen by 2040. According to Tajikistan’s Minister of Energy and Water Resources, Daler Juma, this production is primarily intended for domestic use, but high production levels also open up a potential to export to neighboring countries. The country has significant potential for growth in the hydropower sector using its natural advantages. However, utilizing this potential requires a comprehensive strategy, international support, and investments in innovative technologies.[6] Advancements in solar and wind energy will enhance Tajikistan’s energy security, balance the negative impacts of climate change, and help the country achieve its green hydrogen targets. At the same time, the growth of the renewable energy sector could provide Tajikistan with an advantage in regional energy exports.
In conclusion, the renewable energy potential of Central Asian countries could play a key role in the regional energy transformation. Development of green energy corridors and investments to R&D activities are of critical importance to utilize this potential. However, this process not only requires technical advancements but also stronger cooperation and comprehensive policy frameworks. International platforms provide an important opportunity to develop strategies that will help the countries achieve these goals. This transformation that focuses on renewable energy will not only enhance regional energy security but also support the collective efforts against climate change leading Central Asian countries toward a more sustainable future.
[1] “Central Asia: Green Energy And Hydrogen 2024-A Milestone Event For Sustainable Energy Transformation”, Institue for Advanced International Studies, https://iais.uz/en/articles/central-asia-green-energy-and-hydrogen-2024-a-milestone-event-for-sustainable-energy-transformation, (Accessed: 24.01.2024).
[2]“Central Asian Hydrogen Prospects”, Modern Diplomacy, https://moderndiplomacy.eu/2024/05/25/central-asian-hydrogen-prospects/, (Accessed: 24.01.2025).
[3]“China’s New Renewable Energy Plan: Key Insights for Businesses”, China Briefing, https://www.china-briefing.com/news/chinas-new-renewable-energy-plan-key-insights-for-businesses/, (Accessed: 24.01.2025).
[4]“Central Asian Hydrogen Prospects”, Modern Diplomacy, https://moderndiplomacy.eu/2024/05/25/central-asian-hydrogen-prospects/(Accessed: 24.01.2025).
[5] “Sustainable development”, IEA, https://www.iea.org/reports/kyrgyzstan-energy-profile/sustainable-development , (Accessed: 24.01.2025).
[6] “Tajikistan eyes large-scale hydrogen production and energy diversification“, A Green Life, a Greener World, https://agreenerlifeagreenerworld.net/2023/09/27/tajikistan-eyes-large-scale-hydrogen-production-and-energy-diversification/ (Accessed: 24.01.2025).
