Partnership in Renewable Energy and Combating Desertification

From September 16th to 24th, representatives of "TechnoGroupService," Mominbayev Zh.B and Mominbayeva A.Zh, undertook a productive business trip to the People's Republic of China, where they met with leading companies in the renewable energy sector. The trip began with a visit to the WIND ENERGY exhibition in Beijing. Following this, discussions with companies such as CRRC Wind, CRRC BESS, and LONGi focused on potential partnerships, including joint projects in energy storage systems, the construction of a solar module plant, and wind energy projects in Kazakhstan. Representatives from "TechnoGroupService" noted that close collaboration with Chinese partners will enable the adaptation of advanced technologies and strengthen TGS's position in the Central Asian renewable energy market.

The "TechnoGroupService" team also visited the Kubuchi area of the Gobi Desert in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region—one of China’s most renowned desertification control projects. Once considered a "sea of death" due to its harsh natural conditions, Kubuchi now stands as a successful example of ecological transformation. Over the past few decades, more than 6,000 square kilometers of land have been restored, with a significant portion reforested. In 2014, the United Nations recognized this project as a model for combating desertification.

China's experience in addressing environmental challenges has served as an inspiring example for TGS, with the company seeing potential in adapting these solutions to Kazakhstan’s conditions. TGS is particularly interested in applying such practices to a desertification control project in the Aral Sea region.


GREENAID: Combating Desertification of the Aral Sea

On October 14, a meeting was held between TechnoGroupService LLC and the Executive Board of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS) in the Republic of Kazakhstan, where they discussed current projects to preserve the Aral Sea and prevent disasters in the region. According to experts, the surface area of ​​the Aral Sea has decreased by 20 times since 1977 to the present.

TechnoGroupService LLC is participating in attracting grant funds from the MacArthur Foundation with the project "GREENAID: Combating Desertification of the Aral Sea". The project is aimed at innovative methods of combating desertification and creating forest plantations on the bottom of the Aral Sea through the use of solar modules. As part of the implementation of this Project, TechnoGroupService LLP also sent letters of interest to the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Akimat of the Kyzylorda Region and a number of other organizations.

The IFAS Executive Directorate in Kazakhstan actively cooperates with international partners, including financial institutions and UN organizations, to solve the problems of the region. For example, in April 2024, a delegation of the European Union and the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States to the Republic of Kazakhstan D. Rosenblum visited the Aral Sea (https://inbusiness.kz/ru/last/posol-ssha-v-rk-uvidel-kak-vosstanavlivayut-ekosistemu-aralskogo-morya), which contributed to a deeper understanding of the problems of the region and further development of projects, including the Aral Geopark.

In this regard, the Executive Directorate of IFAS in Kazakhstan decided to support the GREENAID project and is ready to provide comprehensive assistance in its implementation.


Hamburg: Sustainable Finance Forum

On October 9, 2024, the Sustainable Finance Forum 2024 took place in Hamburg, serving as a key event for discussing practical solutions in climate action and sustainable development. The forum was organized by DZ BANK in collaboration with the UNECE, UN High-Level Climate Champions, the European Commission, and ICC Germany. This multilateral event brought together representatives from the financial sector, public policy, and sustainable development to explore mechanisms supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy. It also served as a bridge between the Hamburg Sustainability Conference and the upcoming COP29 in Baku.

During the forum, Aruzhan Mominbayeva, a manager at TechnoGroupService LLP, delivered a presentation on the 50 MW "Kun Bulagy" solar power plant project located in Central Asia. The Kun Bulagy project represents the region’s first example of utilizing sustainable financial mechanisms, including the issuance of green bonds to fund major environmental initiatives.

The Kun Bulagy solar power plant is set to achieve significant results, including reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 10,538 tons annually, saving 262.7 million cubic meters of water, preventing the degradation of 80 hectares of land, and creating 120 jobs during its construction and operation. Beyond its environmental and social impact, the project will enhance energy security in the region and address electricity shortages, fostering sustainable development in Central Asia.

Participation in the Sustainable Finance Forum confirms the Kun Bulagy project's status as one of Central Asia’s key initiatives promoting sustainable development and supporting the global transition to clean energy.


Study Tour to Vienna

In October 2024, a study tour took place in Vienna, Austria, organized by the OSCE and the Global Women’s Network for the Energy Transition (GWNET), aimed at strengthening the leadership roles of women from Central Asia in the renewable energy sector. Among the 15 selected participants was Aruzhan Mominbayeva, a manager at TechnoGroupService.

The program began with discussions on key issues of the energy transition in a series of meetings with OSCE ambassadors. A highlight of the tour was the invitation to the French Embassy, where participants discussed international initiatives with France’s Ambassador to the OSCE, Ms. Faten Ben Abdel-Foet. The study tour also included leadership training sessions designed to enhance management skills in response to the growing demand for sustainable energy solutions.

The technical segment of the program featured visits to Austria’s national electricity grid operator, APG, and the 172 MW Freudenau hydropower plant on the Danube River. These visits provided participants with valuable practical insights into the operations of renewable energy infrastructure.

Before departing for Hamburg, where Aruzhan delivered a presentation at the Sustainable Finance Forum, she also attended the 7th Vienna Dialogue on Energy Security. Discussions on inclusivity, energy efficiency, and the role of education in energy security, led by experts, formed an integral part of the event.

Aruzhan Mominbayeva’s participation in this project underscores her commitment to the development of renewable energy and highlights her importance as a professional ready to lead transformations on both regional and global levels.