Aktanten in Aktau.
Capacity Building for Energy Transition (KINI).
The consortium “AKTANTEN IN AKTAU” is developing, together with the participating universities (TU Berlin – in cooperation with, TU Darmstadta, HAW Hamburg, DKU Almaty, and Yessenov University Aktau), two Master’s programs and one PhD program in the field of energy and mobility transition. Teaching will primarily take place at the German-Kazakh Institute for Sustainable Engineering Sciences(KINI) in Aktau on the Caspian Sea, which was established in June 2023 in the presence of Federal President Steinmeier. The consortium is coordinated by Prof. Dr. Hans-Liudger Dienel.
The consortium is currently applying for funding under the German TNB Study Programs (2024-2028) to expand English-language Master’s and PhD programs focused on the energy transition. A special emphasis is placed on sustainable green hydrogen production, preparing students and researchers to lead in the future of clean energy.
The German-Kazakh Institute of Sustainable Engineering (KINI) was officially opened in Aktau on June 21, 2023. KINI was established jointly with the Caspian Yessenov University of Technology and Engineering (Yessenov University) and the Kazakh-German University (DKU). During the opening ceremony of the Institute, the Federal President of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier, the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Alikhan Smailov, the presidents of Yessenov University and DKU laid a time capsule at the site of the new building of the Institute. The Kazakh-German Institute for Sustainable Engineering will focus on the implementation of the German model of applied engineering education in Kazakhstan, on the development of future technologies, research and innovation for sustainable economic and social development of Mangistau.
Grow Your Education With Us
Study Opportunities in Aktau and Germany Master’s Programs at KINI:
- Energy Engineering and Management
- Transport, Logistics and Mobility
Program Highlights:
- Double Degree Options – Earn degrees from both Yessenov Universitv (Aktau) and Darter universities in German.
- Summer & Winter Schools – Participate in intensive seasonal programs with international faculty.
- Training Courses – Enhance your skills through practical, industry-tocused short courses.
- MBA Opportunities – Option to pursue an MBA at TU Berlin as part of your academic journey.
- Joint Research Projects – Collaborate with German and Kazakh institutions on cutting-edge research.
- Joint PhD Programs – Engage in doctoral studies co-supervised by faculty from both countries.
Consortium Universities
New Academic Programs
Launching two innovative Master’s programs and a practice-oriented doctoral program, designed to meet the evolving demands of the energy and mobility sectors.
German-Kazakh Partnership
Led by the Kazakh-German Institute for Sustainable Engineering (KINi), fostering academic and research collaboration between Germany and Kazakhstan.
Financial Sustainability
Committed to long-term viability through tuition-based funding and strategic partnerships with Kazakhstani industries, ensuring continued growth and impact.
DAAD funds the AKTANTEN project within the framework of its initiatives to strengthen cross-border academic partnerships and knowledge transfer.
TU Berlin serves as the main coordinating university of the initiative. It offers opportunities for PhD research and provides access to a specialized MBA program
HAW Hamburg (Hamburg University of Applied Sciences) is in charge of the Master’s program in Energy
TU Darmstadt
leads the Master’s program in Transport, Logistics, and Mobility
Yessenov University (Aktau) and DKU (Almaty) are the Kazakh partners of the project. They are responsible for implementing all programs through the Kazakh-German Institute for Sustainable Engineering (KINI), which serves as the central platform for academic coordination and collaboration.
Yessenov University (Aktau) and DKU (Almaty) are the Kazakh partners of the project. They are responsible for implementing all programs through the Kazakh-German Institute for Sustainable Engineering (KINI), which serves as the central platform for academic coordination and collaboration.
News & Blog
AKTANTEN Online Workshop
14:00 – 18:00 (GMT+5, Kazakhstan time)
Thursday – Friday
AKTAU DIALOGUE
