Between July 2024 and June 2025, Kazakhstan's electricity consumption was predominantly reliant on fossil energy, with more than half of the electricity coming from coal at 54% and nearly a third from gas at 29%. Together, these fossil sources accounted for almost 85% of the total electricity consumption. On the greener side of the spectrum, low-carbon sources contributed a smaller share at just over 15%. Hydropower led the charge among low-carbon sources, providing almost 10% of electricity, followed by wind at 4% and solar making up close to 2%. Despite a commendable contribution from these clean energy sources, there is still significant room for improvement in reducing reliance on fossil fuels to combat climate change and improve air quality.
Is Electricity Growing in Kazakhstan?
Evaluating the growth of electricity in Kazakhstan reveals a mixed picture. The latest electricity consumption of 5747 kWh per person is a decrease from the historic high of 6105 kWh per person in 1990, representing a difference of 357 kWh. However, the burgeoning sector of low-carbon electricity is seeing positive developments. The low-carbon electricity generation has increased to 874 kWh per person, up from its previous peak of 855 kWh in 2024. This uptick of 19 kWh signifies a promising direction towards increasing the share of clean electricity, even though the overall consumption has decreased. It indicates a growing focus and investment in sustainable energy sources, which is essential for future economic and environmental health.
Suggestions
To boost its low-carbon electricity generation, Kazakhstan can draw valuable insights from successful regions across the globe. Looking towards nuclear and solar energy, which have proven effective in several countries, could be particularly beneficial. For instance, France leads in nuclear energy with 69% of its electricity from this source, demonstrating the potential of nuclear energy in meeting large-scale electricity demands while maintaining low carbon emissions. Similarly, Lebanon's solar energy advancements, contributing 31%, showcase the positive impact of embracing solar power. Kazakhstan can also consider wind power, learning from states like Iowa where wind accounts for 62% of electricity. By integrating strategies from these regions, Kazakhstan can significantly enhance its portfolio of low-carbon electricity, paving the way toward a more sustainable future.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in Kazakhstan has seen varied progress across the decades. In the late 1980s, hydropower was making small yet steady gains, with annual increases above 1 TWh. However, the mid-1990s saw a troubling decline in hydropower output, with notable decreases each year from 1995 to 1997. Despite some fluctuations, there were notable recovery periods, such as from 2000 onward, where hydropower experienced periods of growth. More recently, the 2020s have seen the emergence of wind and solar energy as new contributors to Kazakhstan's energy mix. Wind energy, in particular, has shown encouraging growth with increases in 2021 and continuing through to 2024. Such progress underscores the importance of diversifying and expanding low-carbon energy sources to offset periods of decline and dependency on fossil fuels.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.