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Kazakhstan is making significant strides in developing its natural resource base, particularly in the energy sector. The country has set ambitious goals to increase its energy capacity, discover new hydrocarbon and mineral deposits, and expand renewable energy sources. These efforts are crucial for Kazakhstan’s long-term economic development and its transition to a more diversified energy portfolio.
One of the key initiatives in Kazakhstan’s energy sector plan is to add 26 gigawatts (GW) of new capacity by 2035. This includes projects in renewable energy, nuclear power, and the national electric grid. In 2024, the country saw a 10% increase in energy generation from renewable sources, reaching 5.6 billion kW/h. Notable developments include partnerships with European, Emirati, and Russian companies for wind energy projects, as well as collaborations with China for renewable energy projects.
However, the integration of renewable energy into the power grid remains a challenge due to issues such as grid stability and balancing generation with fluctuating consumption. To address this, Kazakhstan has introduced legislative changes to support the development of small-scale renewable energy projects and energy storage systems.
In addition to renewable energy, Kazakhstan is also exploring its potential for hydrocarbons and minerals. The country has identified 15 sedimentary basins with an estimated 76 billion tonnes of conditional fuel resources. While oil and gas production is concentrated in five developed basins, there is significant potential in five additional basins that are yet to be fully explored.
To further boost its energy sector, Kazakhstan is also planning to build a 2-2.8 GW nuclear power plant in the Zhambyl District. This project, along with the integration of renewable energy and gas, aims to reduce the country’s reliance on coal and cut annual carbon emissions by 44 million tonnes by 2035.
Overall, Kazakhstan’s efforts to expand its energy capacity and diversify its energy portfolio present a golden opportunity for the European Union to deepen its engagement with the country, particularly in the energy sector. These developments will not only contribute to Kazakhstan’s economic growth but also have a positive impact on the environment by reducing carbon emissions.