Kazakhstan Explores Alternative Energy Opportunities – Astana Times

The Development of Alternative Energy Sources in Kazakhstan

Introduction

The development of alternative energy sources in Kazakhstan is a crucial step towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Market incentives, rather than substantial government investments, play a significant role in promoting the growth of renewable energy in the country. This report highlights the various opportunities and challenges associated with alternative energy development in Kazakhstan.

Opportunities for Alternative Energy

Kazakhstan is at the initial stages of developing alternative energy sources. However, the country is taking proactive measures by drafting a law on alternative energy, with support from the Ministry of Energy and Kazenergy Association. There are several opportunities for utilizing low-potential heat, including waste heat and wastewater, through heat pumps. Additionally, landfill and metallurgical gases can be used for electricity and heat production. For instance, a facility in Pavlodar already utilizes gas from petroleum coke production for power generation. Nuclear energy also offers long-term economic benefits, and the use of low-potential heat could provide cost-effective heating solutions for distant consumers.

Investment Approaches

Investment approaches vary depending on the sector. Hydrogen energy requires venture capital to lower production costs, while nuclear power demands large-scale, long-term investment. Waste heat recovery and industrial gas utilization can be supported by an energy service company (ESCO) market, where private investors fund projects in exchange for cost savings.

Regulatory Changes

Regulatory changes are crucial for unlocking the full potential of alternative energy development in Kazakhstan. Currently, energy producers lack economic incentives to improve fuel efficiency, as costs are passed on to consumers. To address this, the government could set efficiency targets for energy producers and require them to hold regular tenders among ESCO firms to utilize waste heat, thereby directly reducing energy consumption.

The Future of Alternative Energy in Kazakhstan

It is predicted that Kazakhstan will expand its use of nuclear, hydrogen, and waste-based energy solutions. By 2045, low-potential heat could account for 20 percent of the heating market, while industrial waste gases could be fully integrated into energy production.

Conclusion

The development of alternative energy sources in Kazakhstan is crucial for achieving the SDGs. Market incentives, regulatory changes, and strategic investments are key factors in promoting the growth of renewable energy. By leveraging the country’s opportunities and addressing the challenges, Kazakhstan can make significant progress towards a sustainable and greener future.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

   • Target 7.1: By 2030, ensure universal access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy services.
   • Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
   • Indicator 7.1.1: Proportion of the population with access to electricity.
   • Indicator 7.2.1: Renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption.

2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

   • 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.
   • Indicator 9.4.1: CO2 emission per unit of value added.

3. SDG 13: Climate Action

   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
   • Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have integrated mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.

Analysis

The issues highlighted in the article are connected to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

1. SDGs Addressed:

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
• SDG 13: Climate Action

2. Specific Targets:

• Target 7.1: By 2030, ensure universal access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy services.
• Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
• 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.
• Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.

3. Indicators:

• Indicator 7.1.1: Proportion of the population with access to electricity.
• Indicator 7.2.1: Renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption.
• Indicator 9.4.1: CO2 emission per unit of value added.
• Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have integrated mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.

The article mentions the development of alternative energy sources, such as low-potential heat, waste heat, wastewater, landfill and metallurgical gases, nuclear energy, and hydrogen energy. These align with the targets under SDG 7 and SDG 9, which aim to increase the share of renewable energy, improve energy efficiency, and upgrade infrastructure. The indicators mentioned in the article, such as the proportion of the population with access to electricity, renewable energy share, CO2 emissions per unit of value added, and the integration of climate change measures into national policies, reflect the progress towards the identified targets.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: astanatimes.com