The Role of Water for Sustainable Hydrogen Production in Kazakhstan – Part II: An initial geospatial assessment of green hydrogen hubs in Kazakhstan
Keywords: Green hydrogen production, hydrogen hubs, sustainable water management, hydrogen off-take, centers of hydrogen demand, Kazakhstan, Central Asia | Study published: December 2023
Kazakhstan has great potential for wind and solar energy, but only limited water resources. Both resources, renewable electricity and water, are essential for the production of renewable hydrogen. In addition to the availability of renewable electricity and water, the distance to the centers of hydrogen demand also plays an important role.The study identifies suitable locations for the establishment of the first decentralized hydrogen projects, so-called hydrogen hubs, in Kazakhstan. A multi-criteria geodata analysis is used to examine the potential in terms of water availability, wind and solar energy potential and local demand for hydrogen.
The regions around Atyrau, Lake Balkhash, Oskemen and Pavlodar show the highest potential for establishing green hydrogen hubs. In these areas, local water resources, the existing potential for wind and solar energy, and a future demand for hydrogen are all located in close proximity to each other.
- Further assessment is imperative in order to accurately identify potential pilot projects. A more in-depth techno-economic understanding of the hydrogen hubs identified is crucial for assessing the true feasibility of proposed projects.
- Conducting an environmental impact assessment is vital to avoid or minimise conflicts with other water users such as water for irrigation.
- The assessment of potential hydrogen demand centres is a complex and requires a more nuanced quantitative analysis.
