WATER POLICY AND ENERGY TRANSITION OF KAZAKHSTAN: POTENTIAL OF THE HYRASIA ONE PROJECT

Year 2025, Volume: 7 Issue: 4, 377 - 392, 30.10.2025

Leila Delovarova , Gulnara Baikushikova Alen Juanyshbekov Fatima Khamzayeva

Abstract

Kazakhstan, being the largest landlocked country in the world, faces challenges with water security. The country’s geographical location makes it dependent on its neighbors for water resources. Kazakhstan’s water policy is still in the development stage, and there are still gaps and problems that need to be addressed. Another important area for Kazakhstan is the energy transition, which has both economic and energy significance. The Hyrasia One project, a joint initiative of Kazakhstan, Germany, and China, can be a good solution in this context. The article examines the potential of the project, its ability to become a stepping-stone to international cooperation, a tool for energy sustainability, and an example of Kazakhstan’s capabilities in the field of water efficiency and regulation. The article discusses the risks and benefits that this particular project will bring to Kazakhstan and Central Asia in the economic, energy, and diplomatic sectors.

Keywords

Hyrasia One , Germany , China , Kazakhstan , Water diplomacy , Trans-Caspian route

Ethical Statement

This study did not require approval from an ethics committee as it did not involve human participants, animals, or sensitive personal data. All data used in this research were obtained from publicly available sources.

Supporting Institution

This research has been funded by the Committee of Science of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Grant No.AP26103599 Challenges and Opportunities for Regional Cooperation in Sustainable Water Resources Management in Central Asia).

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