Kazakhstan and Japan discuss hydrogen partnership with export potential

Kazakhstan and Japan have discussed cooperation in hydrogen energy, one of the key areas of the future energy transition, Orda.kz reports.

Talks were held in Astana between Talgat Karashev, director of the Kazakh Energy Ministry’s Department of International Cooperation, and Ishii Hidehiko, a representative of Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

The sides focused on the development of hydrogen technologies and their use in industrial decarbonization. According to Kazakhstan’s Energy Ministry, Astana sees hydrogen not only as a tool for cutting emissions, but also as a potential export resource for emerging energy markets.

The Kazakh side also expressed interest in Japanese expertise in energy efficiency, hydrogen technologies and deeper hydrocarbon processing. The parties discussed plans for joint high-tech projects that could become part of the region’s future economy.

For context, Kazakhstan approved its hydrogen energy development concept through 2030 in 2024, identifying hydrogen as a core part of its low-carbon transition. In December 2025, Kazakhstan and Japan also formally listed hydrogen and ammonia among the areas of clean-energy cooperation they intend to explore.

Original author: Alexander Smolin

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