Kazakhstan’s Economy Achieves 37% Energy Intensity Reduction in a Decade
Kazakhstan Makes Significant Progress in Transition Towards a Green Economy
Astana, Kazakhstan – Kazakhstan has successfully reduced its energy intensity by 36.7% over the past decade, reaching a level equivalent to that of 2008, according to Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Zulfiya Suleimenova. This achievement was announced at a meeting of the Council on the transition towards a green economy, chaired by Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov.
The country’s commitment to the transition towards a green economy has yielded several positive outcomes. The Concept of the Transition Towards a Green Economy has allowed for an increase in the share of renewable energy sources to 4.5%, an expansion of forest areas to 5%, and an increase in the size of specially protected natural territories to over 10% of Kazakhstan’s territory.
Looking ahead, Kazakhstan has set ambitious goals to further improve its environmental sustainability. The minister unveiled plans to increase the recycling and disposal of household waste to 40% by 2030 and 60% by 2050. These targets are part of an upgraded concept that incorporates the Carbon Neutrality Strategy until 2060.
Suleimenova emphasized the importance of waste collection and disposal services, which should cover 100% of the population by 2040. This will be achieved through the establishment of a centralized system in rural areas.
In addition to waste management, Kazakhstan aims to enhance its approach to industrial waste. The country plans to bring the share of recycling and disposal of industrial waste to 60% by 2050 by implementing advanced technologies and constructing new municipal solid waste landfills.
The concept also emphasizes the reduction of air pollutant emissions, the modernization of combined heat and power stations, and the expansion of forest areas to protect natural habitats and rare species.
Prime Minister Smailov views the green economy as a crucial tool for Kazakhstan’s sustainable progress. He highlighted that achieving the concept’s objectives will require a significant transformation in the country’s economic development trajectory, leading to improved living standards, air quality, waste management, and the sustainable use of water and land resources.
Smailov instructed the ministry to expedite the updating of the concept and submit the draft to the government by December 1.
The meeting also discussed Kazakhstan’s progress in renewable energy. Currently, the country operates 132 facilities with a total capacity of 2,525 megawatts. Kazakhstan plans to introduce an additional 6,720 megawatts of renewable energy generation by 2027.
These initiatives demonstrate Kazakhstan’s commitment to environmental sustainability and its determination to contribute to global efforts in combating climate change.
