Kazakhstan put energy transition under the spotlight at the Qazaq Green Fest on May 25-26 2023. In the run-up to the two-day event, PAGE and the Economic Research Institute organised a round table on reducing coal usage. The discussion was prolonged to the Qazaq Green Fest, where PAGE contributed with the presentation of a study on the risks and benefits associated with decreasing coal usage. Both events highlighted the importance of transitioning away from coal-based energy production and promoting renewable energy sources in Kazakhstan.
28 May 2023
Kazakhstan’s journey towards a renewable future
“Qazaq Green Fest is the main platform in the country for discussing the development of renewable energy. We believe that it is the development of renewable energy has emerged as the driving force behind the transformation of the electric power industry, which is in dire need of such progress. Presently, the renewable energy sector confronts significant challenges and responsibilities. These encompass ensuring the nation’s energy security through the introduction of new generation capacities, promoting the adoption of small-scale renewable energy solutions by population and businesses, the development of a segment of bilateral contracts, the use of energy storage systems. Therefore, we believe that renewable energy is the most effective tool for achieving carbon neutrality,” emphasized Nurlan Kapenov, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Qazaq Green Renewable Energy Association.
Qazaq Green Fest 2023
The second International Business Festival on Renewable Energy Sources, known as Qazaq Green Fest, on 25-26 May 2023, focused on “Energy Security in Kazakhstan: Low-Carbon Transition.”
The festival received the support of the Ministry of Energy and the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan, as well as the Akimat of the Akmola region.
The United Nations Development Programme in Kazakhstan, UN Partnership for Actions on Green Economy (PAGE), Eurasian Development Bank, and KAZENERGY Association also supported the event.
Ms Elizaveta Kuznetsova, PAGE exper, contributed to a panel by sharing findings of the study about risks and benefits associated with reducing coal usage in Kazakhstan. The study focuses primarily on the socio-economic aspects of the decarbonization process and emphasized the critical role of renewable energy development in achieving carbon neutrality.
The festival concluded with the preparation of a Charter representative of the collective address and commitment to advancing the low-carbon transition from the renewable energy business community to the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The event welcomed over 300 attendees from numerous countries including Kazakhstan, the United States, the United Kingdom, Italy, France, Germany, China, Japan, Uzbekistan, and Russia.
Round table the ahead of the Qazaq Green Fest
PAGE and the Economic Research Institute organised a discussion on 24 May to present the key findings on coal phase-out and just transition, with a specific focus on the city and coal mining center of Ekibastuz.
The study assessed the risks and benefits associated with decreasing coal usage in Kazakhstan and examined the repercussions of coal phase-out for communities heavily reliant on coal. It aimed to develop actionable plans, including the formulation of a comprehensive “Roadmap 2030” and an Action Plan for a Just Transition.
In line with the Carbon Neutrality Strategy, the research emphasized the necessity of reducing coal-based power and heat generation by almost 50% by 2030. The study highlighted the potential for renewable energy sources like wind and solar power, particularly in Ekibastuz.
PAGE and Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan’s renewable energy sector has experienced substantial growth, establishing the greening of economy as a key principle of its new economic policy. Raising its target for the share of renewable energy to 15% by 2030, the country has further adopted a comprehensive Carbon Neutrality Strategy supported by PAGE.
PAGE work in Kazakhstan is aiming to contribute to the following SDGs: SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) – through a focus on waste management and related energy and emission related challenges and opportunities; SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 12 (Responsible Production and Consumption), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).
PAGE brings together UNEP, UNDP, ILO, UNIDO and UNITAR to reframe economic policies around sustainability.
Source: PAGE, Aikyn, Qazaq Green