Canada and Kazakhstan are exploring opportunities for joint investment in efficient oil and gas production and carbon capture technologies.
This collaboration aims to reduce Kazakhstan’s carbon footprint, as discussed during an energy session at the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) on September 23rd.
The bilateral talks with the Canadian energy delegation aim to foster the development and implementation of shared strategies for carbon management, aligning with Kazakhstan’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2060.
Erlan Akkenzhenov, Kazakhstan’s Vice Minister of Energy, highlighted the enduring relationship between Kazakhstan and Canada. Approximately one-third of the 100 Canadian companies operating in Kazakhstan are involved in the oil and gas sector.
“Canadian companies continue to support Kazakhstan’s oil and gas resources, including maximizing the resources extracted from existing wells, as well as helping other companies to ensure that they meet Kazakhstan’s strict environmental and safety standards. I would like to note that the opportunities for Canadian companies to participate in investment projects in Kazakhstan are huge,” said Akkenzhenov, addressing the event.
Green Energy and Low-Carbon Agenda
Akkenzhenov also addressed the potential for collaboration in green energy and a low-carbon agenda. He mentioned Kazakhstan’s ambitious target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2060 and its plans to increase renewable energy capacity to 15% by 2030.
Kazakhstan is open to cooperating with Canada in implementing cutting-edge technologies, including carbon capture, utilization, and storage, hydrogen energy, and more efficient oil and gas production methods.
Mario Krpan, Director of Trade and Export Development at the Alberta Ministry of Jobs, Economy, and Trade, represented Canada’s largest oil-producing region. He highlighted Alberta’s extensive experience in oil and gas production and its commitment to advanced production support systems and technological innovations.
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Krpan emphasized Alberta’s expertise in carbon capture and storage, noting the province’s significant investments in related projects. He expressed enthusiasm for collaborating with Kazakhstan on these initiatives.
Al Duerr, a Canadian delegate and partner at Carbon Connect International, shared his company’s experience in implementing methane reduction programs in Alberta. He explained how these programs have helped reduce carbon emissions and highlighted the valuable expertise Canada can offer to Kazakhstan.
“My company, for example, was involved in a program over the last four years where the government of Canada put in place a program to address methane emissions where they would help the producers do a baseline. A baseline is measuring what you are emitting now. Once you know your baseline and what your sources of emissions are, you can then prioritize what you do,” he explained.
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