Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research ISI
Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research ISI

Project

Development of a hydrogen economy in Kazakhstan in the context of innovation and transformation.

The research project 'H2 Transformation Kazakhstan' aims to explore the potential for transforming the energy sector within a regulated or state-orchestrated innovation system. Using the development of a hydrogen economy in Kazakhstan as an example, the project will seek to gain insights into which systemic factors promote or hinder the implementation of necessary technologies, infrastructure, and research and innovation projects. As Kazakhstan's regional innovation systems undergo transformative change, attention remains focused on the effectiveness of institutional and structural support in market acceleration, the production of renewable energies for 'green' hydrogen and international cooperation, particularly in the context of the German-Kazakh energy partnership.

Expand all Close all

The project's primary objective is to establish and expand cooperation in Central Asia. In collaboration with Kazakh partners from academia and industry, the long-term goal is to develop an integrated hydrogen economy in Kazakhstan. Given the mutual interest of Germany and Kazakhstan in strengthening their bilateral energy partnership, the production, distribution and use of 'green' hydrogen is expected to become increasingly important in the coming years. Therefore, establishing and expanding relevant partnerships and concrete cooperation projects in a timely manner is crucial to counteracting the existing dependence of Kazakhstan and Germany on fossil fuels, and to diversifying the energy and electricity mix.

During the exploratory and networking phase, we will work with two core partners (with additional stakeholders to be involved at a later stage) to lay the foundations for initiating and implementing research and innovation projects aimed at establishing a hydrogen economy. To this end, Fraunhofer ISI and the local project partners are conducting joint research activities to gain specific insights into innovations, technologies, regional issues and sustainability with a view to the green hydrogen economy.

  • Document analysis: primarily scientific literature on systemic sustainability transformation, as well as sector and market analyses and strategy papers (e.g. national hydrogen strategies).
  • Expert interviews: Guided interviews with stakeholders from science, business, politics and society, conducted during two exploratory trips to Almaty and Astana.

Duration

1.2025-8.2025

Clients

DLR Projektträger