Expert Urges Grid Upgrade for Kazakhstan’s Green Energy Transition
The modernization of grid infrastructure could be the key to driving the adoption of green energy in Kazakhstan, according to expert Sultan Valikhanov from the EconomyKZ portal. In an article on EconomyKZ, Valikhanov emphasized that green electrification is not only an environmental necessity but also an opportunity for Kazakhstan to achieve a new level of sustainable development and become a leader in renewable energy in Central Asia.
Valikhanov referred to the TotalEnergies Energy Outlook 2024 report, which highlights that a shift to renewable energy can significantly reduce energy system losses. Currently, about 60% of energy is lost due to inefficiencies in conversion and transportation, but in a scenario aimed at limiting global warming to below +2 degrees Celsius by 2100, these losses could be reduced to 40%.
One of the major obstacles to the green transition in Kazakhstan is the lack of infrastructure. Valikhanov noted that regions with high potential for renewable energy generation, such as Mangystau and Zhambyl, face challenges connecting to the national grid, which hinders sector development and discourages investors.
Drawing on the experiences of the European Union, China, and the United States, Valikhanov suggested that Kazakhstan could benefit from adapting technologies such as energy storage to mitigate the variability of solar and wind resources. China, for example, has made significant progress in solar and wind energy development, becoming a global leader in installed capacity and investing in energy storage technology to stabilize renewable sources.
Despite relying heavily on coal for energy generation, with over 70% of electricity coming from coal-fired plants, Kazakhstan has the potential to reduce CO2 emissions and improve air quality by transitioning to renewable sources like solar and wind, combined with flexible gas-fired plants. This shift aligns with international climate commitments and could help Kazakhstan achieve a more sustainable energy mix.
To accelerate the green transition, Valikhanov recommended providing incentives for electric transportation, as seen in the U.S. where tax breaks and subsidies have spurred the growth of zero-emission vehicles. In Kazakhstan, promoting electric vehicles through subsidies and expanding charging infrastructure could lead to a significant increase in green transportation and further support the country’s sustainable energy goals.
