Astana, Republic of Kazakhstan, May 17, 2018
Today within the framework of the Astana Economic Forum, a Memorandum was signed between the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the local administration of Astana, the Autonomous Educational Organization "Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools" and “Shell”, the purpose of which is the implementation of the pilot project "Solar Energy for Schools" solar photovoltaic systems in Nazarbayev Intellectual schools in Astana, Almaty, Aktau, Atyrau and Uralsk.The Memorandum was signed by the Energy Minister of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan Bozumbaev K.A., the mayor of Astana city Isekeshev A.O., Chairman of the Board of AIS Nish Shamshidinova K.N. and Vice President and Chairman of “Shell” in Kazakhstan Mr. Olivier Lazar.The project "Solar energy for schools" was initiated by “Shell” in the framework of the Memorandum of Cooperation signed with the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in 2016.
This pilot project is a unique project of this kind for Kazakhstan and is aimed at developing the scope of small-scale projects for the production of distributed energy on a national scale in order to further support the efforts of the Republic to move to a "green economy". The project is also aimed at promoting the development of the potential of small and medium-sized businesses, as well as stimulating the interest of the younger generation in research programs in the exact sciences (STEM: science, technology, engineering and mathematics).
After the ceremony of signing the Memorandum, the representatives of the parties unanimously noted the special importance of this initiative in the development of renewable energy sources in Kazakhstan.
The Minister of Energy Kanat Bozumbayev said: "The initiative" Solar Energy for Schools "arose as a result of fruitful cooperation between the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan and Shell, aimed at the development of renewable energy sources in the Republic of Kazakhstan. We hope that the implementation of this Project will become a kind of platform for the further widespread use of renewable energy sources in various regions of our country and thereby contribute to the efforts of the Government to achieve target indicators in the field of renewable energy sources and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in country. "Vice President and Chairman of the “Shell Group” in Kazakhstan Olivier Lazar said: "We highly appreciate the partnership between “Shell” and the Republic of Kazakhstan over 25 years of operation in Kazakhstan. Our company intends to further deepen its strategic alliance with the Republic of Kazakhstan. We are happy that thanks to the Memorandum signed, we have the opportunity to support the efforts of the Republic in its desire to move to the "Green Economy" and I am sure that this project will make a worthy contribution to this goal.
"Mayor of Astana city Aset Isekeshev stressed: "Within the framework of this Memorandum, we will cooperate to install solar photovoltaic systems on the roofs of schools. This project will serve as an excellent example of the effective use of renewable energy sources and in the future can be scaled in other regions of the country.
"Chairman of the Board of Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools, Kulyash Shamshidinova said: "The project" Solar Energy for Schools "is of great importance for Intellectual schools, where STEM-education approaches are being actively implemented. Intellectual schools support all the priorities of sustainable development, including the spread of renewable energy sources. Strategically correct is the introduction of solar photovoltaic systems in educational institutions, because it is the school that creates a careful attitude to natural resources and environmental responsibility.
For reference:
Shell is an international concern that unites energy and petrochemical companies based in The Hague, The Netherlands. Currently, Shell is one of the largest foreign investors in the economy of Kazakhstan. Shell Concern takes part in four projects. This is the North Caspian Production Sharing Agreement (16.81% stake), the PSA for the development of the Zhemchuzhina license area in the Kazakhstan sector of the Caspian Sea (55% stake), the Final Production Sharing Agreement for the Karachaganak field, and the Caspian Pipeline Consortium delivering Kazakhstan oil to the world markets (7.4% stake).