CACF Provides KAZENERGY with Recommendations to Mitigate Future Risks

Experts from the Central Asian Climate Foundation (CACF), commissioned by the KAZENERGY Association, have conducted an analytical assessment of potential risks facing Kazakhstan’s energy sector in connection with climate change and the green transition. The study also provides a set of strategic recommendations aimed at mitigating these risks while unlocking new development opportunities.

The study, entitled «Comprehensive Analysis of Sustainable Development Risks and Opportunities in Central Asia for Kazakhstan’s Energy Sector in Line with the Agenda of the 2026 Regional Environmental Summit», was carried out over a two-month period. During this time, CACF experts analyzed materials from 20 summit sessions deemed most relevant to the energy sector, as well as policy papers, declarations, and other strategic documents.

The analysis focused on the potential impact of the climate, environmental, technological, and social agenda of the Regional Environmental Summit 2026 (RES-2026) on the sustainability of business models across Kazakhstan’s energy industry. The assessment covered the oil and gas sector, hydrocarbon transportation and processing, petrochemicals, electric power generation, coal-fired power generation, gas infrastructure, renewable energy, the nuclear industry, and energy service companies.

CACF experts emphasized that the climate agenda is no longer merely an external environmental constraint but has become an integral component of the industry's economic logic. The competitiveness of energy companies in the 2030–2035 timeframe will depend not only on production performance but also on:

- the quality of ESG governance and the transparency of climate-related data;

- the level of technological modernization and emissions management;

- the resilience of infrastructure to physical climate risks;

- access to long-term climate finance;

- the availability of qualified professionals capable of addressing the emerging climate agenda.

The analysts also noted that the identified risks are not linear in nature but interconnected and mutually reinforcing. Together, they create a single system of pressure in which the weakness of one element increases the vulnerability of others.

The experts identified five key areas of vulnerability: the investment feasibility of the green transition; the physical resilience of infrastructure; regulatory and export compatibility; technological and workforce readiness; and social resilience.

Based on the findings, the KAZENERGY Association was presented with strategic recommendations aimed at mitigating risks in Kazakhstan’s energy sector and identifying opportunities for its sustainable development.

It should be recalled that the Central Asian Climate Foundation serves as the legal entity of the Central Asia Project Office on Climate Change and Green Energy, established on February 22, 2024, in implementation of the initiative announced by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, during the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in 2023.

CACF's primary sources of funding include charitable and sponsorship contributions, grants from international organizations and development institutions, as well as revenues generated through its statutory activities.

The Foundation’s mission is to accelerate the climate transition in Central Asia by supporting policy development, innovation, and regional partnerships.

In accordance with Paragraph 24 of the Declaration of the Heads of State of Central Asia "Environmental Solidarity of Central Asia," adopted during the Regional Environmental Summit held in Astana from April 22 to 24, the Presidents expressed their readiness to cooperate within the framework of the Central Asia Project Office on Climate Change and Green Energy to accelerate coordinated regional actions aimed at advancing the environmental transition across Central Asia.

Going forward, CACF will focus on developing a unified regional platform capable of integrating the various dimensions of the climate, environmental, and energy agenda across Central Asia.