NU launches a new Center for Technical Competencies in Energy Storage Systems, DKnews.kz reports.
Nazarbayev University (NU) has hosted the international conference “The Role of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in Kazakhstan’s Energy Sector.” The main topic of discussion is the potential for integrating Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) into Kazakhstan’s Unified Power System.
The event has brought together more than 300 participants, including government officials, representatives of leading international companies, research institutions, technology leaders, and investors. The discussions have focused on how BESS technologies can enhance the reliability and flexibility of the national energy system, support the integration of renewable energy sources, and strengthen Kazakhstan’s overall energy security.
An important part of the discussion focuses on international experience with BESS implementation in Europe, the United States, and Asia. Participants examine cutting-edge technologies, business models, and standards, while also addressing the legislative and economic conditions required for large-scale deployment of energy storage systems in Kazakhstan.
"As a responsible multi-energy leader committed to sustainable development and creating domestic value, TotalEnergies is not only building and operating wind farms but also actively helping the Republic of Kazakhstan develop advanced competencies in renewable energy. This is why the company opens a Center of Technical Competencies for Energy Storage Systems within the Center for Energy and New Materials Science at National Laboratory Astana at Nazarbayev University. We hope this initiative helps the republic become one of the world’s leading hubs for research on energy storage and the integration of traditional and renewable energy" Thierry Plaisant, Managing Director of TotalEnergies Renewables in Kazakhstan
Special attention is given to the presentation of Kazakhstan’s first White Paper, “Application of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in the Unified Power System of the Republic of Kazakhstan” This analytical document, prepared by the Renewable Energy Association “Qazaq Green” in collaboration with Huawei, includes a comprehensive overview of global BESS implementation experience, descriptions of modern technological solutions, international standards, and recommendations for legal regulation of this sector in Kazakhstan.
"The White Paper is an analytical report that addresses the application of BESS technologies. Within this report, international experience is examined both in terms of industrial-scale BESS deployment and the use of behind-the-meter storage systems at the consumer level. It outlines modern BESS technologies, their market costs, international standards applied in BESS project implementation, technical requirements recommended by domestic and foreign experts, as well as recommendations for the regulatory framework governing these technologies in Kazakhstan’s legislation. We hope this document serves as a significant first practical step toward the adoption of these technologies in the national energy system" Nurlan Kapenov, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Qazaq Green RES Association
A significant part of the program is dedicated to a scientific session focused on innovations, technologies, and critical materials for energy storage systems. The session is moderated by Professor Zhumabay Bakenov from NU, who leads the Center for Energy and New Materials Science. His team is one of the leading research groups in Central Asia specializing in energy materials and solutions for BESS. The session features participation from international experts in battery technologies and BESS.
"Research in materials science and engineering enables the development of more efficient, durable, and environmentally friendly solutions for BESS. In the context of the global energy transition, technological innovation becomes a decisive factor for the sustainability and technological sovereignty of countries. Leading universities and research centers, such as NU, provide a critically important scientific foundation for advancing this strategic field. Today, it is essential not only to increase raw material extraction but also to develop a full value-added cycle, from beneficiation and processing to battery component manufacturing and applied research. This approach will allow Kazakhstan to secure a strong position in international partnerships and make a significant contribution to global efforts toward decarbonizing the economy" Professor Zhumabay Bakenov of NU
Following the event, a resolution was adopted outlining the key directions for further work on integrating energy storage systems into Kazakhstan’s energy sector. The conference is organized by NU, the Qazaq Green Association, and TotalEnergies Renewables Kazakhstan, with support from the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
