Discussion on Financing Projects in the Renewable Energy Sector Held in Astana

On March 14 in Astana, a roundtable discussion titled "Financing Renewable Energy Projects in the Republic of Kazakhstan" was held, organized by the "Qazaq Green" association with the support of the global GIZ project "Capacity Development for Climate Policy in South-Eastern and Eastern Europe, South Caucasus, and Central Asia" (CDCP).

Representatives from major financial organizations participated in the event, such as the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), Development Bank of Kazakhstan (DBK), and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). The session took place in a hybrid format, allowing participants to attend both in person and remotely.

During the roundtable, Zh.B. Mominbayev, a partner at "TechnoGroupService" LLP raised important issues related to the current aspects of financing projects in the field of renewable energy. Key topics included discussions on the financing conditions of auctions considering low tariffs, financing opportunities for projects using domestic technologies, risks associated with energy storage system requirements when developing capacity allocation schemes for past and planned renewable energy auctions, as well as the possibility of financing projects with client-builder affiliations.

The discussion highlighted the relevance of financing issues in the renewable energy sector, especially in the context of developing projects using auction tariffs. The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the "Qazaq Green" association, N.N. Kapenov, reported on maintaining high interest rates for loans in the national currency. Roundtable participants shared their experiences and expressed readiness to develop joint solutions aimed at improving conditions for attracting investments into the industry.

The event served as a platform for dialogue among government bodies, financial institutions, and business representatives, which is a key factor for the further development and support of renewable energy projects in the region. The importance of such meetings cannot be overstated, as they contribute to the development of effective financing mechanisms and the sustainable development of the renewable energy sector in Kazakhstan.


Round table on RES

On March 4, 2024, a significant round table on the topic "Achievements and New Technical Solutions of Renewable Energy Sector Suppliers" took place in Astana. The event was organized by the Renewable Energy Association "Qazaq Green" with the support of the global GIZ project "Development of Climate Policy Potential in Southeastern and Eastern Europe, the South Caucasus, and Central Asia." The event was held in an offline format and brought together leading experts, entrepreneurs, and representatives of government bodies in the field of renewable energy. The main goal of the meeting was to discuss the latest achievements and innovations in the field of renewable energy, as well as their contribution to the decarbonization process of Kazakhstan's industry.

Participants of the event had a unique opportunity to familiarize themselves with presentations from leading companies in the RES sector, such as Huawei/Photomate, Longi Solar, "Miami Solar" LLP, "Alageum Electric" JSC, "Profland-RT" LLP, as well as learn about local content support measures from representatives of KazakhInvest and QazIndustry.

Special attention was paid to an open discussion, during which current problems and barriers for suppliers in implementing RES projects in Kazakhstan were discussed, including issues related to the development of local content in these projects. During the meeting, the Partner of "TechnoGroupService" LLP Mominbayev Zh.B. proposed to establish the "GREEN TECH" association for targeted work to consolidate the efforts of domestic manufacturers. The proposal was supported by the Heads of "Miami Solar" LLP and "Profland-RT" LLP.

The event concluded with summarizing the results, one of which, in addition to the establishment of the "GREEN TECH" association, was the formulation of an appeal to the Management of the Investment Board in the person of the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Sklyar R.V. and the Chairman of the Board of the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs "Atameken" Batalov R.A. on the need to take comprehensive measures to support the development of domestic manufacturers in the field of RES.


On February 09, 2024, the Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market (hereinafter referred to as ARFFR) registered the issue of non-state green bonds of «TechnoGroupService» LLP. The US$25 million green bond prospectus includes 250 coupon bonds with a par value of US$100,000 each, a coupon rate of 8% per annum and semi-annual coupon payments. The circulation period of the bonds is 3 years. The prospectus is supported by the Second Party Opinion (view) and the Green Bond Framework (view), developed with the support of IFC. “This significant achievement underscores our commitment to the principles of sustainable development and environmental responsibility,” says financial analyst of the TGS group of companies T.Bulanbay.

The placement of the bonds on the Kazakhstan Stock Exchange (KASE) is expected in the first quarter of 2024, providing institutional investors focused on supporting ESG projects with a unique opportunity to invest in green projects. SkyBridge Invest JSC will act as an underwriter. The funds will be used to finance the construction of a 50 MW solar power station “Kun Bulagy” in the Issyk-Kul district of the Issyk-Kul region of the Kyrgyz Republic.


At the forefront of renewable energy development in Kazakhstan

On January 25, 2024, under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Alikhan Smailov, a significant meeting of domestic producers was held with the support of the Atameken National Chamber of Entrepreneurs. Among the meeting participants was the Business Development Director of TechnoGroupService LLP Zhomart Nurkanov.

Success story and new horizons. Since 2018, TechnoGroupService LLP has been actively implementing projects in the field of renewable energy sources. In 2021, the company received the prestigious Altyn Sapa Presidential Award for its projects in the field of green energy, which underscores its leading position in the industry.

Expansion of production and export potential. The key point of the report was the announcement of the launch of its own production of solar modules with a capacity of 100 MW by the end of 2024. Taking into account the market potential and the growing demand for photovoltaic modules, the company estimates the annual production volume at 6 billion tenge. This is a significant step towards developing export opportunities, including to Central Asian countries, Azerbaijan and Mongolia.

Contribution to innovation and collaboration. TechnoGroupService LLP actively cooperates with the Institute of Physics and Technology and the Kazakh-British Technical University, introducing the latest developments in the field of photovoltaic module elements. In addition, the company, in partnership with PowerChina, is creating the production of metal elements for wind power towers.

Support for investment and development of local production. As part of the strategy to stimulate investment in Kazakh production, TechnoGroupService LLP proposed a number of measures, including the abolition of tax incentives for solar power plants and wind farms, the production of equipment for which is established in Kazakhstan, as well as the introduction of financial instruments that support the export of Kazakhstani goods and services.

A look into the future. TechnoGroupService LLP plans to begin construction of the first stage of a 50 MW solar power plant in the Kyrgyz Republic in early 2024, demonstrating its ambitions and contribution to regional renewable energy development. Focusing on significant achievements and ambitious plans, the company contributes to economic growth and sustainable development of the region, opening up new opportunities in this dynamically developing industry.