The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has partnered with the Government of Kazakhstan to advance the nation’s Hydropower Development Program.
Under this transaction advisory services agreement, the ADB will work alongside the government to carry out essential tasks like pre-feasibility studies, creating auction documents and a standardized power purchasing agreement, and attracting competitive bids from investors.
Focus on Southeastern Hydropower Potential
This collaboration will specifically target hydropower projects with private sector participation in the Alaqol, Balkash, and Irtysh/Zaysan basins in the southeastern region of Kazakhstan.
The goal is to unlock a potential cumulative capacity of approximately 600 MW. The formal agreement was signed by Kazakhstan’s Minister of Energy, Almassadam Satkaliyev, and Cleo Kawawaki, Head of the Office of Markets Development and Public–Private Partnerships at the ADB.
ADB Prioritizes Kazakhstan’s Renewable Energy Growth
Cleo Kawawaki emphasized, “Supporting Kazakhstan in its development of renewable energy sources, including through increased private sector involvement, is a priority in our ongoing country partnership strategy for 2023-2027. ADB’s focus is to assist the country’s efforts to address the impacts of climate change, promote decarbonization, and facilitate sustainable economic growth.”
This collaboration will further Kazakhstan’s goals to expand its renewable energy capacity, reduce carbon emissions, and improve the country’s energy security.
Attracting Private Investment in Hydropower
Kazakhstan’s Hydropower Development Program is designed to attract private sector involvement in the design, financing, construction, operation, and maintenance of numerous hydropower projects.
The ADB will also play a role in facilitating knowledge transfer to enhance local expertise in promoting private sector participation, thereby supporting the transformation of Kazakhstan’s energy sector.