Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov took part in the plenary session of Kazakhstan Energy Week – 2025 / XVI Eurasian Forum KAZENERGY on the theme “New Energy Order: Focus on Middle Powers.” The event brought together more than 2,500 delegates from over 50 countries, representing more than 300 companies. Among the participants were heads of international energy organizations, leaders of major oil and gas corporations, and ministers of energy.

Olzhas Bektenov read out a welcoming address from Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to the forum participants:

“The development of strategically important sectors such as the economy, science and education, innovation, and advanced technologies is directly linked to the availability of energy sources. Therefore, we are implementing large-scale projects to strengthen the energy security and independence of our country. Our international partners make a significant contribution to this important work. Kazakhstan attaches great importance to attracting investment into the energy sector and enhancing its competitiveness. In this regard, our country, as a responsible middle power, is interested in strengthening ties with such authoritative international organizations as the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the IAEA and OPEC. I am confident that the new ideas and innovative projects presented at the forum will ensure the development of the energy sector,” the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan in his address said.

In his own speech, the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan informed forum participants about major energy projects being implemented in the country. In the petrochemical sector, a polypropylene plant with a capacity of 500,000 tons has been launched, and projects on polyethylene (1.25 million tons), butadiene, and urea production are being implemented. By 2030, six large projects worth over $15 billion are planned.

Processing is expanding: the Shymkent Refinery is increasing its capacity to 12 million tons; gas processing facilities are being developed in Zhanaozen, at Kashagan and Tengiz; and the second line of the Beineu – Bozoi – Shymkent gas pipeline is under construction.

Jointly with international partners, renewable energy projects with a total capacity of more than 4 GW are being implemented. In addition, three coal-fired CHP plants with a combined capacity of 1 GW are being launched. Oil refining is planned to increase to 39 million tons by 2040, with the refining depth reaching 94%.

Much attention is being paid today to the digitalization of the industry and the widespread introduction of artificial intelligence technologies.

In the energy sector, AI is becoming a key tool for increasing the efficiency of geological exploration, optimizing production, transportation, processing, and more. Enhanced oil recovery methods, digitalization of exploration and production processes, and the use of AI for data analysis make it possible to increase recovery factors and production not only at existing fields but also to unlock the potential of small and medium fields.

A key element in accelerating the integration of innovations into all sectors of the economy is the newly established Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development, created on the initiative of the President.

Alongside digitalization and AI implementation, growing energy consumption requires increasing generation volumes. In this context, projects for the extraction of rare earth metals, uranium production, and the construction of a nuclear power plant acquire special significance.

The Prime Minister emphasized that Kazakhstan remains a reliable and predictable partner, open to cooperation in creating joint high-tech industries with international organizations and businesses.

During the plenary session, representatives of international organizations, government bodies, and the expert community shared their views on global energy development.

OPEC Secretary General Haitham Al Ghais called for increased investment in the oil and gas industry, noting the need to ensure energy security and sustainable development.

Francesco La Camera, Director-General of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), outlined the prospects for cooperation among middle powers in accelerating the deployment of green energy and renewable projects in Central Asia.

Jassim Alshirawi, Secretary General of the International Energy Forum (IEF), highlighted Kazakhstan’s key role as a bridge between regions in ensuring global energy security and sustainable transition. He invited Kazakhstan to become an official member of the IEF.

Ahmad Saidmurodzoda, Deputy Secretary General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), emphasized the need to strengthen energy security, stimulate investment, and accelerate the transition to sustainable energy sources as part of the SCO cooperation strategy until 2030.

Mahmoud Fathallah, Director of the Environment Department of the League of Arab States, underlined the importance of investment in renewable energy as the foundation of sustainable development, energy, and global stability.

Minister of Energy of Kazakhstan Yerlan Akkenzhenov briefed on ongoing efforts in Kazakhstan to improve the investment climate, modernize infrastructure, and increase the share of renewables in the overall energy mix.

The forum’s work continues.

#The Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan #Energy #International Cooperation

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