Clean Energy Technology Assessment Methodology Pilot Study: Kazakhstan
Oil exports play a major role in the economic development of Kazakhstan, the largest
petroleum producer in Central Asia. But the country’s vast plains also hold significant
renewable energy potential that remains largely untouched, particularly solar and
wind power. This major potential could help the country reach its ambitious goals
of diversifying most of its electricity generation away from coal use while cutting
harmful greenhouse gas emissions. Improving the country’s ageing Soviet-era infrastructure
also holds significant promise for advancing energy efficiency.
The International Energy Agency selected Kazakhstan as a key player in regional efforts
to deploy low carbon technologies in Central Asia for a pilot study developed with
the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development. This Clean Energy Technology
Assessment Methodology programme aims to provide clear and transparent information
about renewable energy and energy efficiency technology markets, with the goal of
identifying the most promising technologies for policy support and investment and
establishing metrics for tracking their deployment over time.
This report assesses a range of technological options in Kazakhstan on both the demand
and supply side to determine which show the most potential for further development,
in line with the country’s policy goals and resource endowment. Appropriate policies
and measures that support effective renewables deployment and grid integration would
help Kazakhstan reach its diversification targets sooner. Phasing-out of energy subsidies
and developing in-depth monitoring indicators would allow the country to better track
the implementation of planned energy efficiency measures and optimise its energy savings
potential.
Published on September 30, 2016
In series:IEA Partner Country Seriesview more titles