Local Community Outreach for Energy Efficiency
Community and Industry Collaboration
Renewable Energy Test Site (RETS)
School of Engineering and Digital Sciences (SEDS) Programs
Research and Educational Outreach Laboratories
Nazarbayev University’s approach to community outreach in energy efficiency is holistic and integrated across multiple units, combining research, education, technological deployment, and strategic engagement with government, industry, and civil society. The institution's commitment to advancing clean energy is reflected not only in academic outputs but also in practical training, stakeholder workshops, demonstration projects, and student involvement.
In alignment with the national Strategy for Achieving Carbon Neutrality by 2060, Nazarbayev University’s activities directly support public awareness, institutional capacity building, and technology diffusion in Kazakhstan. Many of the initiatives described under other indicators also serve the broader community and should be considered part of NU’s outreach footprint.
Nazarbayev University is committed to advancing energy efficiency and clean energy through research, education, and collaboration with local communities and industries. The university plays a pivotal role in empowering students, professionals, and the public through outreach initiatives designed to build awareness, transfer knowledge, and develop practical skills in sustainable energy.
In alignment with the national Strategy for Achieving Carbon Neutrality by 2060, Nazarbayev University’s activities directly support public awareness, institutional capacity building, and technology diffusion in Kazakhstan. Many of the initiatives described under other indicators also serve the broader community and should be considered part of NU’s outreach footprint.
Nazarbayev University is committed to advancing energy efficiency and clean energy through research, education, and collaboration with local communities and industries. The university plays a pivotal role in empowering students, professionals, and the public through outreach initiatives designed to build awareness, transfer knowledge, and develop practical skills in sustainable energy.
The university hosts several advanced laboratories that serve not only academic purposes but also community engagement. These labs frequently conduct outreach activities with schools, universities, and industry partners, reinforcing NU’s role as a national hub for sustainable innovation and capacity building.
The Laboratory of Renewable Energy (RE Lab) specializes in advanced materials for energy production and storage. RE Lab collaborates with local universities, including KazNU, Satbayev University, Kokshetau University, and the Institute of Polymer and Technology, as well as with industry partners such as KazMunayGaz and Karaganda University, focusing on solar fuel technology.
The Laboratory of Energy Storage Systems is dedicated to mentoring and skill-building for undergraduate students pursuing careers in green technology. This includes hands-on internships and educational activities focused on energy storage. In addition, the lab hosts webinars such as "Battery Energy Storage Systems: Past, Present, and Future" to educate the community on advancements in battery technologies and energy storage solutions.
The Advanced Sensors Laboratory (ASL) actively engages in community outreach initiatives related to smart gas sensor solutions. In collaboration with ENU, KazNU, and Kozybayev University, ASL organizes educational programs and meetings on gas sensors and energy-efficient technologies. Additionally, ASL partners with QarMed (Arsilar Temirtau) to enhance mining safety through gas explosion prevention and detection solutions, strengthening industry-academia linkages.
The Computational Materials Science Laboratory has published four research papers related to SDG 7, indexed in Scopus during 2023 and 2024. The lab also offers specialized courses and seminars on computational materials science for advanced energy materials, equipping students and professionals with the skills necessary for clean energy innovation.
As a public-facing demonstration facility, the RETS is a cornerstone of Nazarbayev University’s outreach in renewable energy. Not only does it offer hands-on training for students, but it also serves as an open-access venue for visiting school groups, professional organizations, and municipal authorities interested in renewable technology adoption. It supports Nazarbayev University’s applied research in solar thermal energy, hybrid systems, and digital monitoring technologies.
As a public-facing demonstration facility, the RETS is a cornerstone of Nazarbayev University’s outreach in renewable energy. Not only does it offer hands-on training for students, but it also serves as an open-access venue for visiting school groups, professional organizations, and municipal authorities interested in renewable technology adoption. It supports Nazarbayev University’s applied research in solar thermal energy, hybrid systems, and digital monitoring technologies.
In terms of outreach, Prof. Nuraxt Nuraje delivers lectures on energy-efficient materials at local universities and Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools (NIS), educating students on sustainable energy solutions and cutting-edge advancements in clean technology. Furthermore, RE Lab organizes the annual International Symposium on Emerging Materials and Devices (ISEMD), promoting knowledge exchange in renewable energy.
Through its curriculum and applied research, SEDS extends its impact beyond the university by engaging with engineers, technical staff, and decision-makers in Kazakhstan’s energy and construction sectors. Many of the courses and workshops delivered are informed by active research projects at SEDS, some of which are directly aligned with national and regional energy transition goals.
Examples include the development of solar-powered pilot projects in harsh climates, AC/DC microgrid research in collaboration with national energy operators, and policy-oriented studies on smart energy regulation and demand-side management. These initiatives have involved both undergraduate and graduate students in public-facing roles, contributing to the overall skill base of the country.
SEDS delivers targeted energy education and outreach:
- Full and short-course training on renewable energy systems.
- A dedicated course on electric vehicles and zero-carbon transportation solutions.
- Train-the-trainer workshops for engineers and construction professionals on sustainable building practices, energy efficiency, and circular economy principles.
- Practical training on solar water heating systems and heat pump product-service systems in Kazakhstan.
- Research on recycling carbon fiber composites for application in Kazakhstan and neighboring countries.
- Development of an AC/DC microgrid at Nazarbayev University, with ongoing discussions with Kegoc and Alegeum Electric to explore further research and commercialization.
In addition to its educational outreach, Nazarbayev University sustains long-term collaborations with government agencies, industry leaders, and civic groups. One key example is a 2023–2025 partnership with Samruk-Energo, Kazakhstan’s largest energy holding. This collaboration focuses on the project "Development of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) Technologies at Existing and Future Coal Power Plants of Samruk-Energo JSC," which aims to support the national carbon neutrality pathway through industrial-scale innovation. The university has hosted national and international roundtables on clean energy, air pollution mitigation, and climate-smart infrastructure, offering expertise to inform national policy.
Mechanical engineering students are trained to use RETScreen software and are involved in energy audits and simulation exercises with real-world applications. Nazarbayev University’s participation in the Green Technology Innovation Roadmap and contributions to the national carbon neutrality strategy further embed its role in shaping Kazakhstan’s sustainable energy future.
The Sustainability Living Lab (SLL) program—detailed under earlier indicators—also plays a role in community outreach. Several SLL projects include direct engagement with schools and municipalities. For example, workshops on waste-to-energy technologies, bioplastics, and solar collectors have been delivered in partnership with local organizations, and student-led prototypes have been publicly showcased during events like Research Week.
