Electricity in Kazakhstan in 2023/2024

Over the last 12 months, spanning from October 2023 to September 2024, Kazakhstan's electricity consumption heavily relies on fossil fuels, with more than half (approximately 56%) coming from coal and about 28% from gas. This results in a high overall reliance on fossil-fuel-based energy, totaling approximately 86%. In contrast, low-carbon electricity generation accounts for about 14% of the country's total, primarily through hydropower (around 9%), with modest contributions from wind (almost 4%) and solar (nearly 2%). The predominance of fossil fuels in Kazakhstan's electricity landscape poses challenges in terms of sustainability and environmental impact, underscoring the urgent need to enhance the share of clean energy sources like wind, solar, and nuclear power.

Suggestions

Kazakhstan can significantly increase its generation of low-carbon electricity by emulating strategies from countries that have successfully boosted their clean energy output. Notable examples include Slovakia and Ukraine, where nuclear power constitutes a substantial portion of their electricity at 60% and 55%, respectively. These countries illustrate the potential for significant nuclear contributions to the energy mix, a path that Kazakhstan already took in the past. Meanwhile, countries with similar geographic features and wind potential, like Lithuania with a 34% share from wind power, showcase the effective utilization of wind energy. Kazakhstan should prioritize infrastructural investments in nuclear and expand its wind and solar capacities, learning from successful international practices to align with global sustainability goals.

History

The history of low-carbon electricity in Kazakhstan reveals a fluctuating pattern of development, particularly in hydropower. In the late 1980s, there was a gradual increase, with minor expansions yearly, such as in 1987 and 1988. However, the mid-1990s saw declines, with reductions recorded consecutively between 1995 to 1997. A recovery phase began in the early 2000s, including notable gains in 2000 and 2002. More recently, solar energy made its debut in 2020 with a minor increase, while wind power has shown promise with consecutive growth in 2021 and 2023. The year 2024 stands out for substantial enhancements in both hydropower and wind, highlighting ongoing progress toward diversifying and expanding Kazakhstan's green energy portfolio. This positive trend should be leveraged to further reduce reliance on fossil fuels and transition to a more sustainable electricity system.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources