On 17 September 2026, a final seminar marking the completion of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Technical Cooperation Project “Promoting Energy Efficiency and Energy Conservation in Kazakhstan” was held at Nazarbayev University. The event was organized by the project’s main counterpart, the National Energy Conservation Center (NECC), with the support of Nazarbayev University.
The objective of the two-year JICA project was to disseminate Japanese expertise and knowledge on energy conservation to support the sustainable development of Kazakhstan’s industrial and consumer sectors. The project included a wide range of activities, such as the dispatch of Japanese experts, implementation of energy audits, provision of equipment, and training programs in Japan for employees of NECC, the Ministry of Industry and Construction of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and industrial enterprises. As a result, the project contributed to strengthening institutional and technical capacities in the fields of energy efficiency and energy conservation.
The final seminar brought together representatives of government institutions, the expert community, academic organizations, and project partners to review the achievements of bilateral cooperation in energy efficiency and discuss future prospects for the development of energy-saving technologies and approaches in Kazakhstan.
Welcome remarks were delivered by representatives of the Ministry of Industry and Construction of the Republic of Kazakhstan, NECC, Nazarbayev University, and JICA. A special video message was also delivered by Mr. Kotaro Nishigata, Chief Representative of JICA in the Kyrgyz Republic and the Republic of Kazakhstan.
During the seminar, experts presented reports on current issues related to energy efficiency and sustainable development. Particular attention was given to the promotion of Zero Energy Buildings and Zero Energy Houses (ZEB/ZEH), modern approaches to energy auditing and energy management, and the prospects for introducing green building standards in Kazakhstan. Presentations were delivered by Japanese project consultants, representatives of NECC, and members of the Kazakhstan Green Building Council (KazGBC).
Participants also learned about the practical experience of integrating solar thermal collectors into district heating systems under Astana’s harsh continental climate, presented by a representative of Nazarbayev University. Another session focused on Japanese tools and approaches for raising awareness among the public and organizations regarding energy conservation and the efficient use of energy.
The event also featured the announcement of the winners of the EnergySave Contest, an initiative aimed at promoting a culture of energy conservation and increasing public awareness of energy efficiency issues.
In summarizing the project outcomes, participants emphasized the importance of Kazakhstan-Japan cooperation in promoting energy-efficient technologies, strengthening institutional capacity, and sharing international best practices. The knowledge, experience, and achievements generated through the project are expected to contribute to the further development of energy efficiency and energy conservation policies in Kazakhstan, while also supporting the country’s sustainable development goals and decarbonization efforts.
JICA Kazakhstan