Kazakhstan's Hyrasia One Green Hydrogen Project Faces Relocation Pressure

Details: Kazakhstan's Hyrasia One Green Hydrogen Project, a €50 billion ($55 billion) initiative by Svevind Energy Group, aims to produce 2 million tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030 using solar and wind power. However, environmental concerns have led to calls for relocation from its current location in the Mangistau region. The project threatens biodiversity, particularly the endangered goitered gazelle listed in Kazakhstan’s Red Book, and disrupts migratory routes across protected areas like the Ustyurt Nature Reserve and Kyzylsai Nature Park. Additional impacts extend to South Ustyurt National Park in Uzbekistan and Gaplangyr Reserve in Turkmenistan. The Public Council under the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources has recommended relocation to areas previously used for oil and gas operations, which have existing infrastructure like roads, electricity lines, and mobile networks. Issues raised include the legality of land allocations and transparency in environmental impact assessments, with objections forwarded to the Presidential Administration and local authorities.

Key Takeaway: Environmental concerns are increasingly shaping the development of large-scale green hydrogen projects, emphasizing the need for sustainable planning and biodiversity protection.

Source: Bioenergy Times