- Kazakhstan secures €6 million from the UNDP and EU to modernise its energy grid and reduce emissions.
- The project targets reducing energy losses, upgrading infrastructure, and integrating renewable energy.
- Kazakhstan aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 15% by 2030 and advance toward carbon neutrality by 2060.
Kazakhstan, Central Asia’s largest greenhouse gas emitter, secured €6 million to modernise its energy grid and reduce emissions. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the European Union (EU) are backing the project to cut energy losses, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and support the country’s climate goals.
Kazakhstan’s energy sector generates 85% of its greenhouse gas emissions, making it a major polluter. The country’s carbon intensity, at 0.26 tons of CO₂ per $1,000 GDP, doubles that of the European Union. Modernising the energy infrastructure will directly address these issues.
The Mitigation Action Facility funds the initiative to upgrade Kazakhstan’s outdated grid and introduce regulatory reforms. These changes will improve efficiency, lower emissions, and help meet the country’s climate targets.
EU Ambassador to Kazakhstan, Aleška Simkić, highlighted the importance of this partnership. She noted that modernising the grid is essential for integrating more renewable energy into the system and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060.
Kazakhstan’s updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 15% by 2030. The project will help meet these goals by improving energy efficiency and cutting grid losses.
Kazakhstan’s energy strategy for 2023-2029 prioritises reducing grid losses and adopting modern energy technologies. By upgrading its infrastructure, Kazakhstan aims to serve as a model for other Central Asian countries dealing with similar challenges. The government hopes to inspire regional cooperation and create new energy initiatives.
The European Union provides expertise and financial support for the project, underscoring its commitment to global carbon reduction and green energy promotion.
Kazakhstan’s heavy reliance on fossil fuels, particularly coal, has hindered its climate goals. This project encourages cleaner energy use and aims to improve the overall efficiency of the country’s energy grid.
The initiative focuses on infrastructure upgrades and strengthening institutional capacities. It includes developing new regulations to support renewable energy integration and increase energy efficiency.
Kazakhstan’s government recognises the need to reduce energy losses and improve grid efficiency to meet its climate objectives. The UNDP and EU-backed project represents a crucial step in this direction.
By modernising its energy sector, Kazakhstan positions itself in the global energy transition framework. The project will lower emissions and foster Kazakhstan’s role in regional energy cooperation.
With this funding, Kazakhstan takes a significant step toward a sustainable future. The country aims to lower its carbon footprint, boost energy efficiency, and lead Central Asia’s energy transformation.