Over the last 12 months, from April 2025 to March 2026, electricity consumption in Kazakhstan has continued to be heavily reliant on fossil fuels. More than half of the electricity consumed, about 54%, is from coal, and close to a third, around 29%, is derived from gas. Together, these sources account for over 85% of the total electricity consumed in the country. In contrast, low-carbon energy sources contribute about 15% to Kazakhstan's electricity mix, with hydropower providing a bit more than 8%, wind energy contributing nearly 5%, and solar energy making up slightly less than 2%. This disparity is a stark reminder of the need to transition towards cleaner energy sources to mitigate the effects of climate change and air pollution associated with fossil fuel combustion.

Is Electricity Growing in Kazakhstan?

The trend in electricity consumption in Kazakhstan indicates a stagnation rather than growth, posing concerns for future energy needs. The recent electricity consumption of 5911 kWh per person is below the historic peak of 6105 kWh per person recorded back in 1990, marking a decrease of 194 kWh per person. However, the aspect of low-carbon electricity generation shows a positive yet modest increase. The latest figures indicate that 869 kWh per person comes from low-carbon sources, an incremental rise from the previous record of 862 kWh per person in 2025. This small gain of 8 kWh per person is encouraging for progress in the clean energy sector, although further efforts are necessary to enable robust electricity growth especially from low-carbon sources.

Suggestions

To bolster the share of low-carbon electricity in Kazakhstan, the country can draw lessons from various regions that have successfully harnessed clean energy at significant scales. Countries like France, Slovakia, and Ukraine demonstrate how nuclear energy can provide a substantial portion of electricity, with shares as high as 67%, 66%, and 55% respectively. This underlines the potential of nuclear as a reliable and substantial clean energy solution. For wind energy, Iowa and Denmark both generate about 57% of their electricity from wind, illustrating effective utilization of wind resources. Moreover, Kazakhstan should also look into expanding its solar capacity, taking inspiration from regions like Nevada and Lebanon, where solar energy accounts for about 35% and 31% of electricity generation, respectively. By investing in nuclear and solar infrastructure, Kazakhstan can significantly enhance its low-carbon electricity output and contribute to a more sustainable energy future.

History

Historically, Kazakhstan has experienced varied phases in the development of its low-carbon electricity sector, particularly in hydropower with some growth dating back to the late 1980s, where there were consistent increases until mid-1990s. However, from the mid-1990s to the early 2000s, there were setbacks marked by declines in hydropower generation. A renewed focus in the 2000s and beyond showed some progress, with occasional gains and setbacks. In recent years, diversification beyond hydropower can be observed; notably, solar electricity saw a boost with a significant increase in 2020, while wind energy experienced modest but steady growth, with upticks in 2021, 2023, and 2025. These developments signal a growing recognition within Kazakhstan of the need to diversify its low-carbon portfolio, a trend that could be significantly strengthened by enhanced emphasis on nuclear and solar projects moving forward.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

* 12M = Last 12 months (Apr 2025 – Mar 2026) — a rolling 12-month period, not a calendar year.