In collaboration with S&P Global, KazEnergy's latest report outlines a myriad of uncertainties. Key challenges include the intersection of growing energy demand, volatile global energy prices, restructuring of global supply chains, heightened awareness of global sustainability, and the imperative to combat climate change.
At the core of these challenges, hydrogen emerges as a key player in Kazakhstan's energy transition. The report discusses various critical aspects, offering a comprehensive view of the country's journey towards hydrogen integration. Notably, the Hurasia One Project, situated in the Mangystau Region, envisions 40 GW of renewable energy and 20 GW of electrolyzers near the Kurik port on the Caspian Sea, with desalination of seawater at 255,000 cubic meters per day. Currently in the FEED stage with no confirmed investments, the project is assessing hydrogen demand and transportation routes.
The Mangystau Region faces a freshwater supply challenge, with plans for pipeline reconstruction from the Volga to increase capacity to over 30mn cubic meters per year, funded by Freedom Holding Corp ($4.7mn). The region anticipates a freshwater deficit of 110,000 cubic meters per day by 2025.
Importing equipment poses challenges, given the difficulty of using traditional Russian waterways. Costly alternative routes involve rail transportation through Georgia and Azerbaijan, followed by sea transportation through the Caspian Sea to Kazakhstan.
In Kazakhstan's western region, challenges for hydrogen export arise due to a lack of direct access to international sea routes, with existing gas pipelines passing through Russia. Although railway options are possible, they prove considerably more expensive.
Research and development initiatives signal Kazakhstan's proactive stance. KazMunayGas has established an R&D Center of Competence for hydrogen energy. Plans for a hydrogen refueling station at the Atyrau Refinery are in progress, with an unclear status. Additionally, Pavlodar Oil Chemistry Refinery and Air Liquide MunaiTechGaz are exploring hydrogen production for diesel fuel (160,000 tons per year) with unclear statuses.
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