Kazakhstan’s Energy Strategy: A Report on Sustainable Development Goal Alignment

Introduction: A Dual Approach to Sustainable Energy

Kazakhstan is implementing a comprehensive energy strategy that balances the modernization of its coal-based power generation with a significant expansion of alternative energy sources. This dual approach is explicitly designed as a tool for sustainable development, directly aligning with the nation’s long-term interests and its commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The overarching objective is to reduce the national carbon footprint while ensuring energy security, a cornerstone of economic and social stability.

Alignment with SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

The national strategy directly addresses the core targets of SDG 7 by ensuring access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy for all, while substantially increasing the share of renewable energy in the national mix.

• Increasing Renewable Energy Share: The government is actively working to diversify the energy mix.
• Upgrading Energy Technology: Modernization efforts focus on integrating cleaner, more efficient technologies into the existing energy infrastructure.

Key Strategic Actions for SDG 7:

1. Expansion of Renewable Capacity: A five-year plan has been established to introduce an additional 6.3 gigawatts (GW) of renewable generation, significantly strengthening the country’s green energy portfolio.
2. Modernization of Conventional Sources: Recognizing that a complete shift from coal is not immediately feasible due to confirmed reserves of 33.6 billion tons, the focus is on upgrading existing facilities with clean technologies to minimize environmental impact.

Contribution to SDG 13: Climate Action

Kazakhstan’s energy policy is a critical component of its national strategy to combat climate change and its impacts. By prioritizing the reduction of emissions from its largest energy source, the country is taking concrete steps toward fulfilling its obligations under SDG 13.

• Carbon Footprint Reduction: The integration of clean coal technologies and the expansion of renewables are central to the strategic course of reducing the country’s carbon footprint.
• Compliance with Ecological Standards: All new construction and modernization projects are mandated to comply with international ecological standards, ensuring a tangible contribution to climate action.

Supporting SDG 9 and SDG 11: Infrastructure, Innovation, and Sustainable Communities

The strategy involves significant investment in building resilient infrastructure and fostering innovation, which are fundamental to SDG 9. Furthermore, these projects are designed to make cities and human settlements more inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable, in line with SDG 11.

Infrastructure and Industrial Innovation (SDG 9):

• The construction of new power stations and the modernization of existing plants represent a major upgrade to the nation’s industrial and energy infrastructure.
• The adoption of “clean coal solutions” signifies a commitment to technological innovation and the greening of a critical industry.

Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11):

Specific projects are planned to enhance the sustainability and reliability of energy supplies to major urban centers. These include:

1. New combined heat and power plants in Kokshetau, Semei, and Ust-Kamenogorsk.
2. Large-scale power station projects in Kurchatov and Ekibastuz.

Conclusion: A Pragmatic Path to Sustainable Development

Kazakhstan’s dual-track energy strategy represents a pragmatic and strategic approach to its energy transition. By modernizing its conventional energy sector with clean technologies while simultaneously accelerating the development of renewable resources, the nation is making a dedicated effort to advance multiple Sustainable Development Goals. This balanced policy ensures continued energy security, which is vital for economic growth, while actively pursuing a more sustainable and climate-resilient future.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article on Kazakhstan’s energy strategy addresses several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by focusing on the balance between economic development, energy security, and environmental responsibility. The following SDGs are relevant:

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

  This is the most prominent SDG in the article. The text explicitly discusses Kazakhstan’s dual approach to energy: modernizing its traditional coal-based energy sector while simultaneously “advancing the development of alternative energy.” The plan to add 6.3 GW of renewable generation directly supports the goal of increasing access to clean energy.

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

  The article highlights the modernization of national infrastructure. The government’s plan for “new construction projects and the modernization of existing coal-fired plants” using “clean coal solutions” and “modern technologies” directly relates to building resilient infrastructure and retrofitting industries to make them more sustainable.

• SDG 13: Climate Action

  The entire strategy is framed within the context of climate action. The article states that the approach reflects the “country’s strategic course to reduce its carbon footprint” and the need to “minimize environmental impact and comply with international ecological standards.” This shows a clear commitment to integrating climate change measures into national policy.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the actions and policies described in the article, the following specific SDG targets can be identified:

1. Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.

   The article directly addresses this target by stating, “Kazakhstan is expanding its renewable energy capacity. Over the next five years, the country plans to introduce an additional 6.3 gigawatts (GW) of renewable generation, significantly strengthening its green energy portfolio.”

2. Target 7.a: By 2030, enhance international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research and technology, including renewable energy, energy efficiency and advanced and cleaner fossil-fuel technology, and promote investment in energy infrastructure and clean energy technology.

   This target is reflected in Kazakhstan’s strategy to modernize its coal sector rather than abandoning it. The article mentions the government is “prioritizing the integration of modern technologies that minimize environmental impact” and that new and modernized plants will “rely on clean coal solutions.” This represents an investment in cleaner fossil-fuel technology.

3. Target 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes…

   The plan to modernize existing coal-fired plants and build new ones (in Kokshetau, Semei, etc.) using “clean coal solutions” is a direct application of this target. It involves retrofitting an entire industry (coal power generation) to make it more sustainable and environmentally sound.

4. Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.

   The article clearly states that the energy strategy “aligns with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s directives outlined in the state-of-the-nation address and reflects the country’s strategic course to reduce its carbon footprint.” This demonstrates the integration of climate action into high-level national policy and strategic planning.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article mentions and implies several indicators that can be used to measure progress:

• Indicator for Target 7.2:

  A specific, quantifiable indicator is provided: the plan to install “an additional 6.3 gigawatts (GW) of renewable generation” over the next five years. Progress can be measured by tracking the amount of new renewable capacity installed against this 6.3 GW goal.

• Indicator for Targets 7.a and 9.4:

  The article implies a qualitative and project-based indicator: the number of coal-fired plants modernized or newly constructed using “clean coal solutions.” The specific projects mentioned, such as the “planned combined heat and power plants in Kokshetau, Semei, and Ust-Kamenogorsk,” serve as concrete examples that can be tracked to measure the adoption of cleaner fossil-fuel technology and the upgrading of industrial infrastructure.

• Indicator for Target 13.2:

  The existence of a national policy is the indicator. The article points to the “President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s directives” and the “state-of-the-nation address” as the formal integration of climate goals into national strategy. The implementation and execution of this “strategic course to reduce its carbon footprint” would be the measure of progress.

4. Create a table with three columns titled ‘SDGs, Targets and Indicators” to present the findings from analyzing the article.

Source: astanatimes.com