Quarter 2 has continued the momentum in of Renewable Energy (RE) developments both here in Kazakhstan and in the region more generally that include large-scale projects, innovative auctions, international financing, and technological upgrades.
IRENA - International Renewable Energy Agency
KOREM - Kazakhstan Electricity and Power Market Operator JSC.
KZ - Kazakhstan (the country, nation or nationality)
CGTN - China Global Television Network
QG - Qazaq Green
Quarter 2 has continued the momentum in of Renewable Energy (RE) developments both here in Kazakhstan and in the region more generally that include large-scale projects, innovative auctions, international financing, and technological upgrades.
As reported last quarter “Kazakhstan has launched into 2025 with a vigorous push toward renewable energy and emissions reduction, …”1 and now the Astana times reports in April, that the country has nine RE projects with a combined total of 455MW and that one, a new 50MW windfarm in Karaganda, came online in late Q1, commencing production in this Q2.2
The article goes on to report that the deputy minister of energy once again confirmed the commitment to “… increase the share of renewable energy in the total electricity generation mix to 15% by 2030.” and that in 2024 “the share of renewable energy sources reached 7%”.
However, on a more negative note he went on to explain “Kazakhstan is also focusing on expanding gas-based power generation to ensure energy security and maneuverability” with over 1GW of new gas-powered CHP “key projects nearing completion” and a further 1GW of coal CHP being converted to Gas in Almaty. This should make it easier for people in Almaty to breathe during the winter, especially after last winter when it was reported “Almaty tops global air pollution ranking” … “As of 5 p.m. on Jan. 14, Almaty’s air quality index (AQI+) reached 256, which falls under the «very unhealthy» category.”3
Fig 1 Found at https://kz.kursiv.media/en/2025-01-15/engk-yeri-almaty-tops-global-air-pollution-ranking/2
Power Tech 2025 took place is Almaty between April 2nd and 4th, Qazaq green reports that “the event brought together over 100 companies from 14 countries and featured more than 50 speakers and moderators, drawing over 3,000 attendees.”4 and that various subjects were discussed at length during the event’s forum “where institutions like the Development Bank of Kazakhstan, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) presented support mechanisms for clean energy ventures.”
In May the Arabian Gulf Business Insight (AGBI) reminded us of the flagship project between ACWA and Samruk-Kazyna, “to develop a one-gigawatt (GW) wind energy and battery storage project,”5 and also another large project, this time with the UAE renewables developer Masdar who have signed a project roadmap for a 1GW wind farm in Kazakhstan’s Jambyl region. Neither of these projects are new, both these developments have been reported on before in these quarterly reports, however it seems they are significant enough to warrant being featured again in the news.
On 28 May, Kazakhstan’s first White Paper titled “Application of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) within the Unified Power System of the Republic of Kazakhstan”6 was officially presented in Astana.
Also in May Qazaq Green (QG) in their education and Science page released a short article entitled “Battery Energy Storage systems are key to power systems' efficiency and resilience”7 it suggests some of the advantages/uses an ESS (energy storage system) brings to any distribution grid and also links to some manufacturers publications, it is well worth a read.
Finally in May and again from QG Education page, an excellent study paper conducted by an expert group formed from a number of KZ Universities has identified systemic barriers in Kazakhstan that are hindering the green transition; entitled “Challenges and prospects of green transformation in Kazakhstan”9 and seeks to answer the following;
“Although Kazakhstan possesses one of the largest wind and solar energy potentials globally, it still depends on coal and oil. Despite political declarations — from the “Kazakhstan-2050” strategy to the goal of carbon neutrality by 2060 — actual progress in developing renewable energy sources has been slow. Why?
In summary the paper suggests (spoiler alert)
“As highlighted in the article, a sustainable energy transition cannot be achieved without robust institutional support, technological advancement, and public engagement.”
In June Kazakh Green reported “Kazakhstan to auction 3,440 MW of renewable energy capacity by 2027” and went on to say that as of June “auctions totalling 5,725 MW have been held, with participation from companies representing 13 countries. An additional 3,440 MW of renewable capacity is planned for auction by 2027, enabling long-term planning for investors”.
In June 3E released an article discussing the various types of ESS available on the market today, not just lithium-based batteries but mechanical and other types of chemical storage that can be used under differing circumstances8. All battery technologies are advancing rapidly and so it is useful to know the basics of what is available to help search for the best solution on a case-by-case basis.
In what I believe is another first in the energy field here in central Asia, at the end of July Kazakh Deputy Minister of Energy Sungat Yessimkhanov, explained how individual homeowners and entrepreneurs can install solar panels on their rooftops or private land for their own use and then sell excess energy back to the grid. That may well encourage more home owners to develop their own power solutions, and make EV ownership even more cost effective.
Kazakhstan is not the only country making renewable plans, their neighbour Uzbekistan is also developing renewable energy at an increasing pace. As an example the Uzbek Review reported that “… ACWA Power Commits $6.2B to Wind Projects in Karakalpakstan” and that this is a part of “Uzbekistan’s goal of reaching 25% green energy by 2030. This collaboration marks one of Central Asia’s largest renewable energy efforts and strengthens the country’s low-carbon transition.” 10 Indeed it appears that Uzbekistan will transform itself from a non-renewable starter of only 5 years ago to the major renewable producer during the next 5 years or so with, a Saudi energy executive calling the wind energy resources in Karakalpakstan “not only unique in the region, but globally,” and confidently claimed: “Believe me, energy here will be cheaper than in China.”11 That of course remains to be seen, but there is much confidence in the Uzbek renewable energy field right now.
