Kazakhstan inks $3.1B green hydrogen and ammonia deal with South Korea’s YPP corporation

The initiative aims to export 75,000 tonnes of hydrogen and 310,000 tonnes of ammonia annually, powered by 2 GW of renewable energy sources.

Source: Fuel Cells Works

• Kazakhstan has partnered with YPP Corporation from South Korea through a $3.1 billion framework agreement to establish a comprehensive Green Energy Complex. This facility will produce green hydrogen and ammonia for both export and local consumption.
• The project will harness 2 GW of solar and wind energy, transforming Kazakhstan’s theoretical renewable potential into a substantial clean energy export capacity.

In a significant move to position itself as a leading green hydrogen hub in the region, Kazakhstan has secured a $3.1 billion framework agreement with South Korea’s YPP Corporation to create a large-scale Green Energy Complex.

The agreement, signed by Azamat Kozhanov, Deputy Chairman of KAZAKH INVEST, and John M. Bek, Chairman of YPP Corporation, outlines plans for a facility capable of producing up to 75,000 tonnes of green hydrogen and 310,000 tonnes of green ammonia annually, powered by 2 GW of solar and wind energy.

Dozens of initiatives are already underway. Partnerships like this one with YPP Corporation are essential to converting resource potential into actual production and export capacity.

^{said Kozhanov}

This collaboration follows increasing bilateral energy investment discussions, as Kazakhstan strategically positions itself as a green hydrogen exporter targeting both European and Asian markets. While a portion of the output will meet domestic demands, the majority will be exported, utilizing ammonia as a transportable carrier fuel.

Kazakhstan has an impressive theoretical wind potential of 1,820 billion kWh and a solar generation capacity of 2.5 billion kWh per year. The YPP agreement aims to convert this potential into commercially viable projects. The framework also includes essential infrastructure development — logistics, storage, and water supply — to tackle the challenges of a landlocked and water-scarce region.

We see Kazakhstan as a strategic partner. Its unique natural conditions and supportive investment climate make it the ideal location for this flagship project.

^{said Bek}

Further developments may involve hydrogen-fed CHP systems in cities like Almaty. Notably, major offtakers such as Samsung C&T are in talks to engage in this initiative, reflecting the growing interest from Asian corporations in securing green hydrogen supplies from Central Asia.