Kazakhstan is on the fast track to transform its energy landscape, and it’s not just talk. The Central Asian nation is flexing its muscles in the energy sector, focusing on a multi-faceted approach that includes exploration, infrastructure expansion, and a serious commitment to renewable energy. The government’s ambitious plan for 2024-2035 aims to add a whopping 26 gigawatts (GW) of new energy capacity. This isn’t just about keeping the lights on; it’s a strategic move to diversify the economy and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, especially coal.
In 2024, the renewable energy sector is already showing promising signs, with energy generation from renewable sources jumping by 10% compared to the previous year, hitting 5.6 billion kWh. Major players are stepping up to the plate, with Kazakhstan teaming up with European multinational Total Energies and Emirati state-owned Masdar to develop 1 GW wind farms. Add to that a partnership with Russia’s Unigreen Energy and projects with China for an additional 1.8 GW of renewable energy, and it’s clear that Kazakhstan is not just dabbling in renewables; it’s going all in.
However, there’s a catch. The integration of renewables into the national grid faces hurdles, particularly in energy storage. The country is grappling with issues like grid stability and the balancing act of matching generation with fluctuating consumption. To tackle these challenges, Kazakhstan is rolling out legislative changes in 2024 that aim to support small-scale renewable energy projects and bolster energy storage systems. These new laws facilitate auctions and loans for renewable energy infrastructure, which is a smart move to encourage investment and innovation.
But it doesn’t stop there. The government is also strengthening its electric grid, with plans for a 780 km power transmission line in the western region and a 500 kV line to unify the western zone with the national grid by 2028. A nuclear power plant, with a capacity of 2-2.8 GW, is also on the horizon, following a referendum in October. This plant, located in the Zhambyl District, is set to play a crucial role in Kazakhstan’s strategy to reduce its carbon emissions by 44 million tonnes by 2035.
On the exploration front, Kazakhstan is sitting on a gold mine—literally and figuratively. Geologists have identified 15 sedimentary basins with an estimated 76 billion tonnes of conditional fuel resources. While most of the oil and gas production is concentrated in the Caspian basin, there are five additional basins—North-Turgai, Aral, Syrdarya, Shu-Sarysu, and Priirtysh—that hold significant unrealized potential. This year alone, regional geological studies, including a massive 2D seismic survey of 56,000 square kilometers in the Aral basin, are underway, with promising forecasts for the Zapadny area estimated at 800 million tonnes.
Kazakhstan’s mineral resource base is equally impressive, boasting 9,548 deposits across various categories, including solid minerals and groundwater. The government is committed to conducting regional geological studies annually, with funding exceeding $38 million over three years. By 2026, they aim to cover 2.2 million square kilometers with geological and geophysical studies, which will undoubtedly bolster the country’s economic development.
As Kazakhstan forges ahead with these initiatives, the European Union has a golden opportunity to deepen its engagement with this emerging energy powerhouse. The collaboration could yield benefits for both parties, especially as Europe looks to diversify its energy sources. The implications of Kazakhstan’s energy strategy extend beyond its borders, potentially reshaping the regional energy landscape and fostering a more sustainable future. The world is watching, and Kazakhstan is ready to make its mark.
