Seventy percent of Kazakhstan's electrical power comes from burning coal.
Kazakhstan's energy sector remains predominantly coal-reliant, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. While the future lies in renewable energy sources (RES), they account for a mere 3% of the country's total generation. Gas and water contribute 20% and 7% respectively.
The country's reliance on fossil fuels stems from economic dependence and an unstable regulatory environment that discourages investment in renewables. Energy security concerns also persist, thanks to infrastructure issues and reliance on neighboring countries for energy supplies. The intermittency of renewables and water resources limitations further complicate matters.
However, Kazakhstan isn't completely stuck. Despite these obstacles, the country boasts robust market mechanisms like emissions trading systems and strong policy support for green technologies. The ultimate goal is to significantly increase the share of renewable energy by 2050, even eyeing a position as a major green hydrogen exporter. Partnerships and investments in large-scale renewable projects are the keys to unlock Kazakhstan's green potential.
But transitions aren't easy. The shift from coal to renewables is arduous, fraught with challenges that need to be addressed. It's a process that demands perseverance, innovation, and strategic partnerships. And while the path is challenging, the future of Kazakhstan's energy sector lies in clean, sustainable solutions.
For a deeper dive into Kazakhstan's energy quandary, check out these articles:
- World coal consumption to reach record high this year - forecast
- Kazakhstan can't give up coal. And that's scary
- To mitigate Kazakhstan's reliance on coal and improve its environmental footprint, the government is seeking substantial investments in the environmental-science sector to develop and implement cleaner technology in the energy industry.
- Acknowledging the advantages of renewable energy sources, finance sector leaders are proactively mobilizing resources to fund large-scale renewable projects, thereby contributing to the nation's goal of becoming a major green hydrogen exporter by 2050.
- In order to ensure clean, sustainable solutions for the future, strategic partnerships in the energy sector with other nations are imperative, providing an opportunity to leverage each country's unique expertise in industries such as science, finance, and industrial technology.
