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Industrial gas company Air Products is exploring joint gas-to-chemicals and hydrogen projects in Kazakhstan following talks between its President of Europe and Africa, Ivo Bols, and senior government officials this week.
Discussions focused on the potential development of integrated gas processing and downstream chemical facilities, as well as hydrogen production projects aligned with the country’s industrial diversification and decarbonisation plans.
“Kazakhstan has significant resource potential and is systematically working to develop new industrial sectors,” said Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov.
The talks build on a meeting last year between Bols and an executive from QazaqGaz, where the development of large-scale gas-to-chemicals projects was discussed.
Separately, state-owned oil and gas company KazMunayGas has also held discussions with Air Products on potential cooperation in refining and petrochemicals.
At the Regional Ecological Summit 2026 in Astana , the government unveiled a new energy transition investment platform aimed at mobilising $20bn in public and private funding.
Kazakhstan remains heavily reliant on fossil fuels, with coal accounting for around 60% to 70% of its electricity generation. The country also faces structural challenges, with much of its power grid dating back to the Soviet era and limited capacity to integrate intermittent renewable energy.
The country continues to import a large share of its renewable energy equipment, primarily from China, contributing to higher costs and supply chain dependency.
Partnerships across Asia are already progressing. South Korean engineering firm YPP Corporation last year outlined plans to invest up to $3.1bn in green hydrogen and ammonia projects.
A proposed mega-project in the Mangistau region aims to produce up to two million tonnes of green hydrogen annually, equivalent to around 11 million tonnes of green ammonia, using large-scale wind and solar capacity.
If realised, this would place it among the largest planned hydrogen projects globally.
