In this seminar experts were MIT teachers and representatives of American energy companies.
On the first day of the seminar, participants discussed key aspects of Kazakhstan’s energy strategy: developing effective policies for modernizing heat and power infrastructure with a focus on the most advanced financing strategies, as well as the transition to cleaner energy sources and digitalization of power grids.
“As a result of this workshop, there will be an understanding of what best practices are used in the world, using the example of weather and economic conditions similar to Kazakhstan. From the point of view of current capacities, we understand that obsolescence is taking place, and we propose ways of modernization, of course, taking into account the environment. We also consider it important to support energy startups, for which we attract venture capital, various companies that are ready to help them develop further and invest in them,” shared the organizer of the workshop from MIT Aizhan Balabatyrova, Deputy General Director of KazAzot JSC for investments and strategy, and is a student in the executive MBA program at MIT.
Advanced technologies such as geothermal heat generation, carbon capture, and blue/green hydrogen production were widely discussed in the discussions. Throughout the day, experts shared insights from the Texas Energy System and an overview of regional and global trends in the energy transition.
“Texas is a great metaphor for Kazakhstan in terms of ways to modernize its electricity and heat production capacity, as well as in terms of involving renewable energy sources. Texas 25 years ago had about 5-10% of renewable energy, the same as Kazakhstan today. And now the level of renewable energy in Texas is 35-50%. The same is with the digitalization of networks and monitoring the use of electricity by consumers, including industrial ones,” explained one of the MIT speakers, Ilya Aranovich, Director of Venture Capital at Lummus Technology.
The second day was dedicated to the development of a competitive and differentiated Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Kazakhstan, with a focus on EnergyTech and CleanTech. In addition, Kazakh startups in the energy sector presented their achievements to leading venture capital firms and startup accelerators from industrialized cities such as Boston, Houston, and New York.
The event was organized by SAC FEC with the support of the Kazakh Ministry of Energy in collaboration with NU and the NU School of Engineering and Digital Sciences. The workshop is held as part of a joint project between MIT and SAC FEC for the comprehensive development of the heat and power sector in Kazakhstan, which includes scientific research, the introduction of advanced technological solutions, attracting venture capital investments, as well as the formation and development of the professional potential of the national energy industry.
By harnessing the power of collaboration between academia, industry, and government, this workshop aims to pave the way for innovative solutions and strategies that will not only benefit Kazakhstan, a recognized leader in global energy but also set a precedent for global energy practice.
