What is the energy transition in Kazakhstan?

To date, the energy transition in Kazakhstan has almost exclusively focused on electricity generation, consisting mainly of the deployment of new solar and wind facilities. By contrast, there is almost no heat production from renewable energy sources, aside from traditional biomass such as fire-wood. The biogas sector remains very underdeveloped.

Why is Kazakhstan important to Central Asia?

Kazakhstan is Central Asia’s energy transition pioneer. It was the first country in the region to set renewable energy targets, develop a func-tioning support mechanism for wind and solar, launch an emissions trading system, and es-tablish a carbon neutrality target.

What are Kazakhstan's Energy goals?

In 2013, Kazakhstan introduced renewa-ble energy targets: by 2020, 3% of electricity was to be generated from solar, wind, small hydro-power, and biogas – a target that was met on time. By 2030, the goal is to reach 15%. There is also an interim target of 6% by 2025, which Kazakhstan is on track to achieve.

Why is grid integration a problem in the Kazakh power system?

Although the share of wind and solar energy in the Kazakh power system is still relatively low, grid integration issues are already be-coming a concern. This is because the output of old coal-fired power plants, unlike that of hydro-power or gas-fired power plants, cannot be flexibly regulated.

Why is coal important in Kazakhstan?

Coal is the backbone of Kazakhstan's energy sector, generating 66% of all electricity15 and 80% of thermal energy.16 It also plays an important role in industry, most prominently in steel production. Kazakhstan fully meets its domestic demand for thermal coal.

Why is Kazakhstan promoting natural gas-based motor fuels?

The government is also promoting the use of natural gas-based motor fuels, such as compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG), and QazaqGas is con-structing an LNG plant in Rudny in northern Kazakhstan to meet domestic demand.