Kazakhstan Poised to Become Key Central Asia Gas Hub, Eyes Pipeline Growth
(P&GJ) — Investor Kenges Rakishev highlighted Kazakhstan’s potential to become a key global gas hub at the Energy Trends: Gas & Petrochemicals conference held in Astana. Citing nearly 3.8 trillion cubic meters of proven reserves and another two trillion in projected reserves, Rakishev emphasized the country’s strategic location and untapped potential.
“Kazakhstan is going to become a global player in the gas industry,” said Rakishev, chairman of the Fincraft Group. “We have three decades of expertise in upstream, midstream, and downstream. And we are located between Europe, India, and China.”
He noted that the 55 billion cubic meter Central Asia–China pipeline already runs through Kazakhstan, underlining its role in regional energy trade.
Rakishev was joined on the panel by high-ranking government and industry officials, including Deputy Energy Minister Alibek Zhamauov, QazaqGas chairman Sanzhar Zharkeshov, and KazMunaiGaz chairman Askhat Khassenov.
Global gas demand rose by 2.8% in 2024, surpassing the 2% average growth seen over the last decade. LNG is on track to account for 64% of global gas trade by 2050, overtaking pipeline volumes as early as 2026.
Rakishev announced plans to establish a mid-sized natural gas company to tap into Kazakhstan’s reserves and meet rising global demand. “Although we have very large proven reserves, we are not a major exporter of natural gas because of a lack of sufficient gas transport infrastructures. Again, back to investment,” he said.
According to the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), the industry will require $1.11 trillion in investment by 2050 to meet infrastructure and production needs. GECF’s 2025 Global Gas Outlook projects significant upstream growth for Kazakhstan, driven by its central position in Eurasia and vast untapped reserves.
Rakishev, also a longtime member of Kazakhstan’s Forbes List, is known for investments in natural resources and tech companies across the U.S., U.K., and Europe. He is now focused on energy security ventures.
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