In 2025, Kazakhstan's electricity consumption is heavily reliant on fossil fuels, with more than 85% of its electricity generated from fossil energy sources. Coal alone accounts for close to 55% of the total electricity mix, while natural gas contributes almost 30%. On the other hand, low-carbon or clean energy sources make up about 15% of the country's electricity share. Hydropower is the dominant clean energy source, providing roughly 8.5%, while wind and solar power jointly contribute approximately 6%, highlighting the potential for increased clean energy expansion in the country.
Data sources used on this page include Ember, Energy Institute and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Kazakhstan?
Examining Kazakhstan's electricity consumption trends, the current per capita electricity usage stands at approximately 5898 kWh, which is 207 kWh lower than the historical high recorded in 1990. This decline signifies a stagnation in electricity growth, a concerning trend given the modern global push for electrification and the demands of emerging technologies like AI. However, the modest increase in low-carbon electricity generation, with per capita production rising from 2024 to 2025, reflects positive momentum that Kazakhstan can build upon, although this growth is still quite limited.
Suggestions
To enhance its low-carbon electricity generation, Kazakhstan can take cues from successful regions that have significantly integrated solar, wind, and nuclear energy. Countries like France and Slovakia, where nuclear energy commands around two-thirds of electricity generation, demonstrate the feasibility and advantages of nuclear as a sustainable clean energy source. Denmark and Iowa have capitalized on wind power to supply approximately 60% of their electricity, showcasing effective deployment of wind technology. Moreover, focusing on solar energy, akin to Nevada and California, which generate around 31% of their electricity from solar, could substantially boost Kazakhstan's clean energy capacity. A strategic combination of solar and nuclear investments, learning from these role models, could significantly reduce fossil dependencies, curb emissions, and enhance energy security in Kazakhstan.
History
Kazakhstan’s history with low-carbon electricity has seen various phases. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, hydropower experienced sporadic increases, counterbalanced by declines in the mid-1990s. There was a resurgence in hydropower after 2000 but again faced fluctuations, with significant contributions until a dip in 2025. The introduction of wind and solar energy in recent years offers promising new avenues for clean electricity. The positive yet modest growth in wind and solar electricity generation in the 2020s highlights the potential for future expansion. As Kazakhstan considers its energy future, maintaining a consistent push towards increasing the share of low-carbon sources is critical for sustainable development.
