Electricity in Kazakhstan in 2023/2024

Over the past 12 months, from July 2023 to June 2024, Kazakhstan has heavily relied on fossil fuels for its electricity consumption, with over 86% coming from such sources. Within this majority, coal dominates, providing approximately two-thirds of the electricity, while natural gas accounts for a fifth. On the other hand, clean energy contributes about 14% of the electricity supply. Among the low-carbon sources, hydropower is the leader, contributing more than half of the clean electricity share at around 9%. Wind energy follows, constituting almost 4% of the total electricity production, and solar power contributes close to 2%.

Suggestions

For Kazakhstan to enhance its low-carbon electricity generation, it could draw inspiration from countries that have successfully integrated clean energy into their grids. Given Kazakhstan's geographical and resource similarities to countries like Slovakia and Ukraine, it should consider expanding nuclear power. For instance, Slovakia achieves 60% of its electricity from nuclear energy, and Ukraine attains 55%. Furthermore, considering Kazakhstan's vast land area and favorable wind conditions, increasing wind power capacity could follow the examples of Denmark and Ireland, where wind contributes 59% and 34% of electricity respectively. Solar investments can also be ramped up, taking cues from countries like Greece and Chile, where solar contributes to 22% and 21% of their electricity respectively.

History

Examining Kazakhstan's historical low-carbon electricity journey, hydropower has experienced several fluctuations. In the late 1980s and again in the mid-1990s, hydropower saw small increments before facing declines towards the late 1990s and again in the late 2000s. A notable recovery occurred from 2010, with significant growth spikes, like in 2016, and another upturn more recently. Since 2020, Kazakhstan has diversified its low-carbon portfolio modestly, with solar starting to contribute, followed by gradual increases in wind electricity generation in recent years. This trajectory shows a positive trend towards incorporating more diverse clean energy sources, which if continued, can place Kazakhstan on a sustainable path toward a greener electricity landscape.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources