In 2018, the Embassy of Kazakhstan in the Netherlands sent us an invitation to visit Astana. Together with our colleague from De Telegraaf, we entered the daily life of the capital of Kazakhstan and took part in events dedicated to the 20th anniversary of Astana. By the way, Astana is an extraordinary city, and we will talk about its unique charm in our next blogs about Kazakhstan.
A turning point occurred during our delegation's presence at the Silk Road Mayors' Roundtable, where UN Climate Change Ambassador and Nobel laureate Rae Kwon Chung gave a speech that launched our ambitious New Silk Road Book project.
Mr. Rae Kwon Chung's key message resonated deeply: the ancient Silk Road, which was once a trade route connecting different regions, is now facing challenges related to climate change. However, these challenges hold enormous potential for harnessing renewable energy, addressing food security crises, mitigating health impacts and promoting sustainable urban development. Silk Road countries can turn the climate crisis into an opportunity for sustainable development.
The Nobel laureate highlighted the possibilities:
Renewable energy sources: meeting energy demand and industrial competitiveness.
Addressing food security and health impacts: Investing in renewable energy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and ensure a secure food supply.
Urban Migration: Creating Sustainable Urban Environments to Enable Rapid Urbanisation.
Super Grid: Connecting renewable energy sources to optimise production and improve energy security.
This message helped us define four key pillars of sustainable development for the New Silk Road Books project: green energy, green mobility, food security and green cities. And now, starting from 2024, we, as European experts of the Middle Corridor, can affirmatively say that all these four sustainable directions are developing in the regions of the New Middle Silk Road.
A practical example is the success of renewable energy development in Kazakhstan: in 2018 and 2019, our company organizes study tours for Kazakh delegations of government decision makers (senators, TOP managers of the energy industry of Kazakhstan and UNDP delegates in Kazakhstan in the Netherlands and Denmark). The main purpose of these visits was to enhance the knowledge and experience of participating government officials and decision makers in the field of renewable energy development, drawing on the successful experiences of the Netherlands and Denmark with large- and small-scale renewable energy and green energy projects.
In 2020, our Kazakh pioneers reported impressive progress - 123 facilities with a capacity of 1,897 MW have been formed and are operating in the green energy market of Kazakhstan.
This is an example of high results in the education and development of Kazakhstan’s energy networks.
It is our message to Dutch business and an invitation to look at the prospects of the new Middle Corridor market for their innovations and technologies.
It is our message to Dutch business and an invitation to look at the prospects of the new Middle Corridor market for their innovations and technologies.
How Can Dutch Innovation Drive Progress?
One of the key problems is the lack of green city initiatives. Rapid urbanisation and population growth along the Middle Corridor have led to increased energy consumption, waste generation, and pollution. Building sustainable and eco-friendly cities is crucial to minimising the environmental impact and improving the quality of life for residents. Dutch technology and innovation in urban planning, architecture, and sustainable infrastructure can play a significant role in developing green cities along the corridor. The Dutch expertise in circular economy principles, smart grids, and sustainable building materials can contribute to the implementation of green city initiatives and the creation of environmentally-friendly urban spaces.
Renewable energy is another important aspect that needs to be addressed in the Middle Corridor. The region has abundant renewable energy resources, including solar, wind, and hydropower. However, the development and utilisation of renewable energy sources remain limited. Dutch technology and innovation in renewable energy, such as advanced solar panel technologies, offshore wind farms, and energy storage systems, can support the transition to a more sustainable energy mix along the corridor. Collaboration between Dutch and local companies and institutions can facilitate knowledge transfer and the implementation of renewable energy projects.
Green mobility is a critical issue for the Middle Corridor. The transportation sector is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. Dutch expertise in electric mobility, including electric vehicle charging infrastructure and battery technologies, can contribute to the adoption of electric vehicles along the corridor. Furthermore, Dutch experience in developing efficient public transportation systems, such as integrated mobility solutions and smart transportation technologies, can improve the accessibility and sustainability of transportation in the region.
The agro and food sector also face challenges in the Middle Corridor. The region has vast agricultural potential, but issues such as water scarcity, soil degradation, and inefficient farming practices hinder agricultural productivity and food security. Dutch technology and innovation in agriculture, such as precision farming, hydroponics, and water management systems, can help optimize agricultural practices and enhance productivity. Collaboration between Dutch agricultural experts and local farmers can facilitate knowledge sharing and the adoption of sustainable farming techniques. Additionally, Dutch expertise in food processing and storage technologies can contribute to reducing post-harvest losses and improving the efficiency of the agro and food supply chains along the corridor.
By leveraging Dutch technology and innovation, the Middle Corridor can accelerate its sustainable development goals in areas such as green city initiatives, renewable energy, green mobility, and agro and food systems. Collaboration with Dutch companies, research institutions, and government agencies can facilitate the transfer of knowledge, expertise, and technologies, supporting the implementation of sustainable solutions. This collaboration can not only address the specific challenges faced by the Middle Corridor but also create opportunities for economic growth, job creation, and knowledge exchange. By combining the strengths of Dutch technology and innovation with local resources and expertise, the Middle Corridor can achieve a more sustainable and resilient future.
Join us in shaping a greener world!
#NewSilkRoad #SustainableDevelopment #GreenInnovation
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