Almaty, Kazakhstan - March 30, 2024: As part of the Executive MBA educational program at the Graduate School of Business of Nazarbayev University (GSB NU), a detailed analysis of the case "In Search of the Blue Ocean in the Renewable Energy Industry of Kazakhstan" was conducted. The case was jointly developed by LLP "TechnoGroupService" and Professor Chet Borucki. The case was examined as part of the Emerging Markets course with the participation of Zhomart Mominbaev, a partner at LLP "TechnoGroupService," and Venkat Subramanian, Deputy Dean of GSB for Research and Development.

The analytical seminar became not only an opportunity for Executive MBA students of GSB NU to deepen their understanding of the dynamics of the renewable energy sector in Kazakhstan but also a unique chance to ask direct questions to industry leaders. Zhomart Mominbaev actively shared his experience and approaches to business development in this promising area, emphasizing the importance of innovative strategies for success.

The event took place in an interactive format, allowing participants not only to study the case but also to apply theoretical knowledge in practice by discussing current issues and proposals. According to the students, participating in such sessions significantly enriches the educational process, providing them with an opportunity to understand the real challenges and prospects for the development of the domestic renewable energy market.

The discussion highlighted the significance of collaboration between academic circles and the business community in researching and developing new approaches and strategies in the renewable energy sector. Such meetings not only contribute to the exchange of knowledge and experience but also stimulate students to develop innovative solutions capable of facilitating Kazakhstan's transition to more sustainable energy sources.

At the end of his presentation, Zhomart Mominbaev recommended that Executive MBA students of GSB NU read the books "How to Tame a Unicorn?" by D. Satpaev in collaboration with "Breakthrough Innovations, Global Trends, Risks, and Opportunities for Kazakhstan" and "The Future We Choose" by C. Figueres and T. Rivett-Carnac.

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.

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.