"Green New Wave: How China Adapts to Central Asia’s Renewable Energy Landscape" 19 April 2024

...since 2018, there has been a notable increase in China’s involvement in renewable energy projects in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan...its increasing influence creates opportunities and risks for both countries...

China not only participates in these projects, but has also responded to countries’ growing concerns about Chinese development banks’ debt financing by adopting alternative forms of financing, such as equity financing from Chinese companies, and by actively cooperating with local and multilateral development banks...

...the intention of Chinese companies to start production of renewable energy equipment in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan proves China’s increasing adaptation to the localization demands of countries...

In Kazakhstan, the impetus for Chinese companies to engage in renewable energy projects was primarily driven by the government-to-government green agenda. In Uzbekistan, on the other hand, tenders have been the main driver for Chinese companies to enter the market...In Kazakhstan's renewable energy market, Chinese companies mainly act as project developers. Conversely, in Uzbekistan, due to the presence of various competitors such as ACWA or Masdar, Chinese companies adopt different practice and participate as EPC contractors or input suppliers...

China’s active involvement presents significant opportunities for accelerating the green transition in both Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan...The increasing dominance of Chinese firms in the market and the growing reliance on Chinese technology and expertise in Central Asia may lead to an excessive dependence on Chinese resources...