What inspired you to transition from the IT industry to the field of renewable energy and the green economy?
I think it is a long story, and everyone thinks I am an IT person, but the truth is more complicated. I better start with my background, surprisingly I have an agriculture background as Technologist of meal from college degree. I studied 4 years, and I could easily work for FAO. I am aware on food standards, hazard analysis and critical points. However, further I studied hotel and tourism management. I had couple of courses on sustainable tourism. Rotation from food, tourism, IT, and climate change fields was a seamless and steady decision that naturally led me to the renewable energy sector.
Can you share what it means to be a fellow in the Central Asia Energy Program and what you hope to achieve during this year?
First of all, I am thankful, that this program provided the knowledge I needed. I was content that I had a very experienced Mentor. To be a Fellow is a Brilliant privilege and responsibility. When you represent your country, when you have certain followers who believes into what you do. It means dedication and discipline. It was challenging, but rewarding. I have chosen a research topic on energy sharing and energy communities.
Your research topic focuses on energy communities. Can you explain what energy communities are and why they are important?
Thank you for that question, energy communities are groups of individuals, businesses, or organizations that come together to produce, manage, share, or distribute energy locally, often with a focus on renewable energy. For example, Solar roof tops installed at single or multifamily residential building apartments. It can be off grid or on grid.
Why it is important, it is for people, to reduce electric bills for citizens, and to promote renewable energy technologies. If we say why it is important for Kazakhstan, then we should look at the statistics of energy consumption, and housing sector is second large energy consumer after heavy enterprises. If we look at country’s renewables targets: by 2030 -15% and by 2050 – 50%, renewable energy share at the moment 6%. At the moment renewable energy sector developed through auction mechanism and intergovernmental agreements. My research topic focuses on small scale renewables.
What is green taxonomy, and how does it impact renewable energy policy in Kazakhstan?
Green Taxonomy is a classification system that identifies economic activities considered environmentally sustainable. Its primary purpose is to guide investments by providing clear criteria for what qualifies as “green” or sustainable.
KZ – A classification system for categories of “green” projects eligible for financing through green bonds and green loans.
Auction PPA impacts the RE policy
The taxonomy itself is an instrument of green finance, enabling transparency and trust in green capital markets rather than directly driving renewable energy policies.
Taxonomy = environmental impact, it is an instrument that promotes eco projects, attracts investments, via green loans or green bond issuance. But what impacts RE is the current policy, auction mechanism, I-REC , PPA, green bods, is one of the instruments that form the RE policy or the environmental policy
What skills do you find most valuable in project coordination, especially in the context of renewable energy projects?
Writing down the tasks and to do lists for each member of the Team. That is how you are as a Team Leader may track what is missing and what is ongong work.
One of the most valuable skills in project coordination is effective task management and delegation. For instance, writing down clear tasks and maintaining to-do lists for each team member ensures transparency and accountability. This approach allows the team leader to track progress, identify gaps, and ensure that ongoing work aligns with project timelines and objectives.
In the context of renewable energy projects, this skill is particularly critical due to the complexity and interdisciplinary nature of the field. Coordination requires aligning technical, financial, and regulatory aspects while keeping all stakeholders informed. Additionally, strong communication, problem-solving, and adaptability are essential to manage unexpected challenges and maintain momentum toward achieving sustainability goals.
How do you ensure customer satisfaction in your projects, particularly in the renewable energy sector?
Well customer satisfaction in general is about retention and client needs. But for renewables it’s not only about customer needs, it’s their goals and concerns. Effective Communication from the start till the end of the project. That is how you can ensure client needs.
How important is collaboration with other organizations and stakeholders in your work, and can you provide an example?
Based on my diverse experience, if it is a project, of course in order to meet the client needs, you have to communicate with other stakeholders. Otherwise you won’t be able to reach any milestone of your project activities. Collaboration is not only about getting things done, but making partnerships.
In your opinion, what are the most pressing climate issues facing Kazakhstan today?
It is a lot, glacier melting, water resources, land degradation, extreme weather events, air pollution,
And last which is more complex is the energy transition. Kazakhstan has fossil fuel, coal economy, and transitioning its energy economy into greener is challenging.
What advice would you give to university students who are interested in pursuing a career in renewable energy or environmental policy?
Be active, apply for various programs during your studies.
- Subscribe to all renewable energy or environmental organisations social medias,
- Read news, updates
- Participate in conferences, be a listener.
- Networking
Once you are a part of the community, search for the opportunity of your interest.
What trends do you see shaping the future of renewable energy in Central Asia?
Once Central Asian countries reach their renewable energy capacity targets, the focus will naturally shift from expansion to optimization and integration. Energy trading and energy communities will emerge as key trends, enabling decentralized energy sharing and balancing supply and demand.
The housing sector will become a priority through retrofit programs, incorporating renewable energy systems and battery energy storage (BESS) for efficiency and self-sufficiency.
How has your education in strategic management of renewable energy influenced your career choices?
– While I worked at the IGTIC, I wanted to study renewables, and in 2021 Kazakh German University launched master’s program. I was the scholar holder of the USAID PCA. It actually boosted my career in research area. I was already doing researches, but my topic of interest was in renewables. Yes, it is challenging to find a job for me, still. But I continue to work as a Consultant in a short term projects.
How has your background and experience in different countries shaped your perspective on renewable energy?
Positive, actually, I worked at Ministry of foreign affairs ,15 years ago, whereby I developed bilateral and multilateral cooperation skills, in food and agriculture sector – I familiarized with standards, in IT sector with business development and project management.
With diverse background, I mostly concentrate to incentive measures. I analyze international experience of RE in policy, financial instruments.
What strategies do you recommend for building a professional network in the renewable energy sector?
Use all opportunities, become the member of the working groups on energy or environment, participate in conferences, forums, workshops, present your research findings constantly if you are in the science field. If you would like to be in the management, demonstrate your interest, analyze report and make a post in LinkedIn. Or other social media.
How do you continue to develop your skills and knowledge in such a rapidly evolving field?
By participating in various workshops and programs. Following the news, trends. I am not only in renewable energy sector, I am in climate change, green finance and energy sector.
Can you share a success story from your work that highlights the impact of renewable energy initiatives in Kazakhstan?
It’s always hard to tell what was your success. Recent, academic wise is a CA Energy fellowship program.
Impact- raising awareness that is the beginning what I can do as a junior in energy sector. And expert in a corporate world.
How do you manage work-life balance while pursuing a demanding career in renewable energy?
Very challenging, discipline and, I always have my schedule and to do list. So when my schedule and task accomplished, I can do something out of the work.
Have you had mentors who influenced your career? How did they help you grow professionally?
I did, I had three mentors if not more. Most provided knowledge and guided. See, the beauty of having a Mentor is someone way more experienced than you. If you have a mentor, you should listen and analyse everything mentor says. If certain things are not clear, you have to ask questions. The effect of the professional growth will be visible after many years. If you had a Mentor for 6 month or 1 year, and then during your career you had 3 more mentors with who you worked about 5-6 years. Results will be at your mid level of stage in your career.
Outside of work, what hobbies or activities do you enjoy that help you recharge?
Writing scripts, going to museums or just travelling. Reunion with friends and family.
If you could share one key piece of advice for young professionals just starting out in their careers, what would it be?
When you apply for a job, make sure that requirements listed in the job scope matches with yours, and you do have the competence, before applying. Otherwise you will be wasting your time and the time of the company.
I advise better, to start an internship in the field they are interested. That is the best way to understand if that is the area you will work further or no.
- Competence
- Internship
- Letter of Motivation (content)
