Practice Area
Renewable Energy
Renewable energy is a key part of Kazakhstan’s evolving energy landscape and continues to attract significant interest from international investors, financial institutions and strategic market participants. The development of renewables plays an important role in diversifying the country’s energy mix, attracting long-term investment and supporting Kazakhstan’s climate commitments.
Kazakhstan continues to develop the regulatory and investment framework for clean energy projects. Its national policy targets an increase in the share of renewable and alternative energy sources in total electricity generation to 15% by 2030, 30% by 2040 and 50% by 2050, alongside the longer-term objective of achieving carbon neutrality by 2060. The continued development of the renewable energy auction framework and implementation of large-scale projects involving international investors are creating further opportunities across the sector.
SIGNUM has substantial experience advising on solar, wind and hydropower projects in Kazakhstan. We support project developers, investors, international financial institutions, energy companies and other market participants throughout the project lifecycle – from regulatory analysis, structuring and financing to acquisitions, construction and operation of renewable energy assets. Our team has also contributed to the development of Kazakhstan’s renewable energy legislation and auction framework, giving us practical insight not only into the current regulatory environment, but also into how the market is evolving.
- Development and financing of renewable energy projects
- Siting projects and facilities (land related matters)
- Purchase and sale of energy and energy facilities
- Purchase and sale of renewable energy companies
- Law-making
- Dispute resolution
- Drafting EPC and O&M agreements
Experience
Acting as Kazakhstan legal counsel to one of the largest Chinese state-owned power companies on the implementation of a 1 GW wind power project in Kazakhstan.
Advising a major international energy company on the implementation of a separate 1 GW wind power project in Kazakhstan.
Advised a global leader in metallurgy, EPC, electricity and gas trading on its operations in Kazakhstan, including matters relating to the 100 MW M-KAT photovoltaic solar power plant.
Acted as Kazakhstan legal counsel to a major Chinese state-owned corporation on the implementation of a waste-to-energy power plant project in Kazakhstan.
Advised a US investment fund on an investment in the completion of a hydropower project in south-eastern Kazakhstan.
Acting as Kazakhstan legal counsel to a major Chinese state-owned energy company on Kazakhstan’s first Waste-to-Energy project, valued at approximately USD 180 million, involving the construction of a waste-to-energy facility that will generate electricity from municipal solid waste.
Provided comprehensive legal support to a Chinese state-owned power company on the acquisition of six renewable energy projects in Kazakhstan.
Conducted comprehensive legal due diligence of ten Kazakhstan renewable energy companies and project vehicles in connection with a corporate restructuring.
Conducted legal due diligence of Kazakhstan companies owning solar power projects for Chinese investors considering the acquisition of the relevant assets.
Conducted comprehensive legal due diligence of a company owning a 100 MW wind power plant in southern Kazakhstan.
Advised on the contemplated acquisition of a Kazakhstan company owning a 30 MW solar power plant in the Kyzylorda region. Our work included comprehensive legal due diligence, preparation of transaction documents and participation in negotiations.
Acted as local counsel on the financing of two renewable energy facilities involving a Chinese investor and the Development Bank of Kazakhstan.
Advised a US investment fund on the legal aspects of an investment in a Kazakhstan hydropower project, including matters related to completion of construction.
Acted as the sole Kazakhstan legal counsel on the country’s first systemic renewable energy project aimed at developing the regulatory framework, improving the auction mechanism and creating the conditions for competitively tendered renewable energy projects.
Acted as local legal counsel to the EBRD on improvements to Kazakhstan legislation governing renewable energy auctions. Our work included analysis of the existing regulatory framework and development of recommendations aimed at improving the auction mechanism and increasing the sector’s attractiveness to investors.
Advised Chinese technology and energy companies on the regulatory framework applicable to renewable energy projects and the requirements of Kazakhstan law.
Prepared a range of legal opinions and memoranda on Kazakhstan’s renewable energy regulatory framework, including project implementation, auction mechanisms and requirements applicable to market participants.
Advised foreign renewable energy companies on establishing and developing their operations in Kazakhstan, including the registration and restructuring of legal entities, branches and representative offices, corporate matters and ongoing legal support.
