AKTAU DIALOGUE
Date:1 to 3 october,2025
“Aktau Dialogue 2025”: Kazakh and German Experts Discussed Green Technologies and the Future of the Caspian Sea
The International Conference “Aktau Dialogue: Green Hydrogen 2025” was successfully held at Yessenov University in Aktau, Kazakhstan, bringing together leading scientists, policymakers, and industry representatives from Kazakhstan and Germany.
The three-day forum focused on the most pressing topics of our time — the ecology of the Caspian Sea, the development of green hydrogen technologies, and the strengthening of academic partnerships between the two countries.
The event was organized by the Kazakh-German Institute of Sustainable Engineering (KINI), the Kazakh-German University (DKU), and Yessenov University, with the support of the AKTANTEN Project.
The AKTANTEN Consortium, which includes TU Berlin, HAW Hamburg, TU Darmstadt acted as one of the key partners and sponsors of the conference, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in green energy education and research.
Opening Ceremony
The first day of the conference began with an official opening ceremony. Welcoming remarks were delivered by:
- Prof. Dr. Volrad Rommel, President of the Kazakh-German University (DKU)
- Askar Seidaliev, Vice President of Yessenov University
- Didar Batryshev, Vice President of the National Academy of Sciences of Kazakhstan
- Abat Zhängirkhanuly, Deputy Akim of Mangystau Region
- Ainur Tumysheva, Deputy Director of Hyrasia Energy
In their opening addresses, the speakers highlighted the importance of scientific cooperation, knowledge transfer, and the implementation of sustainable technologies, emphasizing the pivotal role of KINI — a joint initiative between DKU and Yessenov University — in fostering dual-degree programs and academic exchange between Kazakh and German universities.
Day Two: Caspian Ecology and Green Hydrogen Technologies
The second day of the forum focused on two main areas — the ecological sustainability of the Caspian Sea and the development of green hydrogen technologies.
Researchers and industry experts presented studies on climate change, biodiversity conservation, and the energy sector transformation in Central Asia.
Among the featured speakers were:
- Dr. Sebastian Timmerberg (Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, HAW Hamburg)
- Prof. Dr. Tobias Plessing (Hof University of Applied Sciences)
- Manuel Andresh (H2 DIPLO Office, Astana)
The official session was opened by Deputy Ambassador of Germany Mr. Ulrich Kinne and Prof. Dr. Volrad Rommel, who underlined Kazakhstan’s growing strategic role as a key partner for Germany in the fields of green energy and sustainable development.
Day Three: Education and Academic Cooperation
The final day of the forum, titled “Education Dialogue”, was dedicated to strengthening academic cooperation and developing joint educational initiatives.
Partners from KINI and the AKTANTEN Project discussed opportunities for new dual-degree programs, academic mobility, and student internships between universities in Kazakhstan and Germany.
An open meeting between students and representatives of German universities created a vibrant platform for exchanging ideas and outlining future joint projects in renewable energy and sustainability education.
Special attention was given to the upcoming AKTANTEN Winter School 2026, which will continue the dialogue on energy transition and interdisciplinary research.
International Partnership for a Sustainable Future
The “Aktau Dialogue 2025” conference became more than a scientific event — it symbolized a long-term partnership between Kazakhstan and Germany in science, energy, and education.
Supported by AKTANTEN, KINI, and DKU, the forum demonstrated the power of collaboration in addressing global sustainability challenges and shaping the future of the Caspian region.
The outcomes of the conference highlighted the growing synergy between academia and industry, paving the way for new joint initiatives, hydrogen projects, and research programs that will drive the transition toward a low-carbon and sustainable energy future.
