Fortescue Future Industries (FFI) and the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan have agreed to work together to explore the potential delivery of renewable energy projects and green hydrogen production in Kazakhstan.
The agreement further strengthens the close friendship between Fortescue and Kazakhstan, with Fortescue Chairman and Founder, Dr Andrew Forrest AO, holding detailed discussions most recently with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in Nur-Sultan in August.
Dr Forrest today met with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Alikhan Smailov, on day two of COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt.
The pair signed a Framework Agreement to explore potential projects for renewable energy sources and green hydrogen production in several regions of Kazakhstan, including Atyrau and Mangistau – areas rich with water and wind resources.
This shift is intended to help meet the Government's ambitious goals of reducing the country's greenhouse gas emissions to 15 per cent below their 1990 levels by 2030 and of reaching carbon neutrality by 2060.
FFI considers Kazakhstan to have significant wind and solar energy capacity.
Kazakhstan generates more than 70 per cent of its electricity from coal but aims for other sources to supply half its power by 2050.
Alikhan Smailov, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan, said: "As part of the alternative energy sources development, green hydrogen production is an important and priority area for our country.
"According to international studies, Kazakhstan can become one of the top 10 largest exporters of this purely green type of fuel. To achieve this goal, the support of quality partners is vital."
Dr Forrest said the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan was well placed to join FFI on the green industrial revolution.
"Kazakhstan is blessed with extraordinary, abundant renewable energy sources and we want to help the Government tap into those resources as soon as possible.
"We know that green hydrogen is a practical and implementable solution that can help revolutionise the way we power our planet, help decarbonise heavy industry and create local jobs.
"This Framework Agreement sets us on a path to delivering those benefits to the people of Kazakhstan and helping to end a heavy reliance on dirty fossil fuels."
Almas Aidarov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, said: "The global trend of decarbonisation and the renewable resources potential of Kazakhstan gives us a chance to become a global supplier of green hydrogen worldwide.
"We are proud to work with FFI."
