Delegates from all five Central Asian countries joined the Decarbonization Diplomacy Study Tour in Germany to explore green hydrogen technologies and foster regional cooperation for a low-carbon future.
From February 3rd-7th, 2025, high-level delegates from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan participated in the Decarbonization Diplomacy Study Tour in Germany, organized by the Hydrogen Diplomacy Office Astana (H2-diplo). The tour focused on fostering international cooperation and sharing knowledge on green hydrogen production, storage, and industrial decarbonization strategies and supporting Central Asia’s shift toward a sustainable energy future.
High-level delegates included Mr. Yerlan Akkenzhenov, Vice Minister of Energy of Kazakhstan, and Mr. Manuchehr Safarzoda, Deputy Minister of Energy and Water Resources of Tajikistan, alongside government officials, industry leaders, and business representatives all across the region. The program provided a platform for exploring green hydrogen opportunities, discussing potential partnerships, and identifying challenges in the region’s energy transition.
The study tour began with a kick-off workshop at GIZ Headquarters in Eschborn, where Daniel Passon, Director of Division Western Balkans, Central Asia, and Eastern Europe at GIZ, welcomed the delegates. The workshop set the stage for in-depth discussions on hydrogen’s role in decarbonizing industries.
Participants later visited Hydrogenious LOHC Technologies in Nürnberg, gaining insights into liquid organic hydrogen carrier (LOHC) solutions that offer safe and efficient hydrogen storage and transportation.
On day two, the delegates toured the Chemical Park Leverkusen (Currenta), a major chemical industry hub pursuing industrial decarbonization. The visit highlighted sustainable chemical production methods and hydrogen’s role in achieving net-zero goals. The day was followed by a visit to ThyssenKrupp’s Carbon2Chem facility where participants explored how carbon dioxide emissions from steel production can be converted into valuable chemicals, offering a model for circular economy practices. Discussions also focused on green steel and future pathways for decarbonizing metallurgy in Central Asia. The tour continued with a tour of VNG’s hydrogen storage and production site in Bad Lauchstädt, where participants explored large-scale hydrogen storage solutions.
Engaging sessions with the Fraunhofer IWU, CAC, and Hzwo Chemnitz showcased cutting-edge hydrogen innovations, providing valuable insights for Central Asia’s energy strategies.
The final day included a tour of AMBARtec and CAC facilities in Freiberg, emphasizing advanced hydrogen technologies. Delegates then held a strategic meeting with the Saxon State Ministry for Economic Affairs, Labour, Energy & Climate Protection in Dresden, discussing policy frameworks and potential cooperation opportunities.
The study tour not only deepened technical knowledge but also laid the groundwork for future partnerships and regional initiatives. Delegates returned home with actionable strategies to advance hydrogen development, aiming to foster local green hydrogen ecosystems in their respective countries.
A debriefing session in Astana is planned to consolidate lessons learned, explore collaboration opportunities, and ensure the long-term impact of the study tour. Continued dialogue and knowledge-sharing are key to accelerating the region’s low-carbon transition.
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