Energy security takes center stage at the Astana International Forum as Europe and Central Asia wrestle with the challenges of a fast-moving energy market. Kazakhstan, a key player in the global energy landscape, seeks to strengthen its supply and influence over the energy market.
Kazakhstan, renowned for its significant oil production, aims to expand its role as a major energy supplier to the world. Moreover, the country holds the distinction of being the largest uranium producer globally, catering to approximately 20 percent of Europe's uranium requirements.
Roman Vassilenko, Kazakhstan's deputy foreign minister, highlighted the nation's potential for further development, stating:
“Kazakhstan supplies about 8% of Europe’s oil needs, but Kazakhstan supplies about 20% of Europe’s uranium needs. It is the largest uranium producer in the world. We used to have a nuclear power plant in the past and we now are thinking about developing a peaceful nuclear industry in Kazakhstan given the abundance of resources that we have”
Renewable energy has become a focal point for European investors, as they seek solutions to the region's energy challenges. French energy giant TotalEnergies recently signed a power purchase agreement to construct a large-scale wind farm in Kazakhstan. Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies, emphasized the pressing energy concerns faced by Europe, Euronews reports.
"First the security of supply is still a challenge for Europe. We were lucky to have good weather this winter, but next winter again if the weather is cold we could face the security of supply issues because, on the gas side, we have a lack of storage”
Furthermore, the chairman stressed that affordability and sustainability are also key issues and need political leaders to strike a balance and address these challenges as the world transitions to a greener future.
Francesco La Camera, the head of the International Renewable Energy Agency, offered valuable advice to Europe and the rest of the world. He emphasized the need to develop infrastructure, particularly interconnections between energy grids, to fully harness the potential of clean energy resources. La Camera specifically highlighted the vast offshore wind potential in the Nordic Sea and Baltic Sea regions, stressing the importance of establishing connections to ensure that citizens can benefit from these clean energy sources.
The Astana International Forum served as a platform for eminent delegates from governments, international organizations, businesses, and academia to exchange ideas and address the pressing issue of climate, food scarcity, and energy security challenges. Kazakhstan has a long history of advancing constructive international relations, serving as a bridge between East and West – and while this policy has been firmly tested in 2022, it has proven resilient.
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