Evolution from Oil to Renewable Energy
China and Kazakhstan have deepened their ties through extensive energy cooperation over the past 30 years. This partnership has evolved from oil and petrochemicals to now include significant investments in renewable energy, such as solar and wind power.
Major Investments in Solar and Wind Energy
Chinese companies, including Universal Energy, Risen Energy, and State Power Investment Corp, have made substantial investments in Kazakhstan’s renewable energy sector. These investments, amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars, are directed towards constructing solar and wind power plants across the country. This move aligns with the growing trend towards sustainable energy and the development of the solar energy market.
Impact on Local Communities
The cooperation has significantly impacted local communities. In Zhanatas, a small town in southern Kazakhstan, the wind blows year-round, providing an ideal environment for wind energy projects. Maksat Abilgaziev, a former electrical engineer at a local phosphate mine, witnessed the town’s transformation when the first turbine of a 100-megawatt wind power project arrived. The 60-meter-long blades impressed him, and he soon became a trainee responsible for maintaining and repairing wind turbines, learning from Chinese experts.
Similarly, Rinat Turganbekov works at the Kapshagay photovoltaic power station, one of Kazakhstan’s largest solar power projects. This station is part of the China-Kazakhstan green energy cooperation initiative, co-invested by Universal Energy and Kazakh partners. Turganbekov has seen the remarkable transformation brought about by solar power stations, providing locals with green and affordable electricity.
Benefits of Clean Energy Cooperation
Under the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative, this green energy cooperation fosters mutual benefit and win-win outcomes. Turganbekov, a senior employee at Universal Energy Kazakhstan, studied in Tianjin and initially worked as a translator. Encouraged by his Chinese colleagues, he ventured into project coordination, significantly increasing his income and purchasing a home in Almaty.
“Chinese companies have brought significant changes to my life,” says Turganbekov. With the establishment of solar and wind power stations, residents in southern regions no longer face electricity shortages. This shift underscores the critical role of green energy policies and investments in the renewable energy market.
Future Prospects
The collaboration between China and Kazakhstan in renewable energy signifies a shared commitment to sustainable development. As both nations continue to invest in solar technology and energy storage solutions, their partnership sets a precedent for future clean energy developments and strengthens their positions in the global energy market.
By leveraging advancements in solar energy and lithium batteries, this cooperation highlights the potential for significant growth in the solar energy market, driven by strategic investments and supportive green energy policies.
Source：usa.chinadaily.com.cn
