Kazakhstan Unveils Sustainable Energy Blueprint at IRENA Gathering in Abu Dhabi
The 15th session of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Assembly was held on January 11 in the United Arab Emirates' capital, with Kazakhstan taking centre stage. Represented by Zhaslan Kasenov, the country showcased its commitment to green energy development and its ambitious targets for renewable capacity.
Kazakhstan is actively working towards fostering partnerships with international financial institutions and private-sector investors to accelerate its renewable energy initiatives. The government has offered long-term guarantees such as 20-year power purchase agreements and annual tariff indexation to attract investors.
The partnership aims to leverage resources and foster cooperation to build a sustainable energy framework for Central Asia. Kazakhstan's renewable energy objectives align with global sustainability efforts and solidify its position as a trailblazer in combating climate change in the region.
Kazakhstan has set ambitious targets to reach 19 GW of renewable capacity by 2030, with renewables representing about 15% of total energy output by that year. As of the first half of 2025, renewables contribute 6.8% of Kazakhstan's electricity generation, with 153 renewable energy facilities producing a combined capacity of 3,032 MW. Notable projects include the planned 545 MW Altyn Dala Solar Power Station and a pipeline of 91 new renewable projects totaling around 2,258 MW.
In addition to renewable energy, Kazakhstan is also modernizing existing power infrastructure and transitioning some fossil fuel plants to cleaner technologies. For instance, coal-fired plants in Almaty are being switched to natural gas, and investments are being made in flexible power grid capacities for stability.
Kazakhstan's renewable energy push is further bolstered by its nuclear energy plans, leveraging its vast uranium resources by developing three new nuclear plants with international partners. This diversification beyond renewables is crucial for balancing clean energy production.
The dialogue at the IRENA Assembly was moderated by journalist Melinda Crane. Key topics discussed included tripling renewable energy capacity by 2030, enhancing climate ambitions through Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0), and unlocking innovative financial flows for emerging economies. IRENA's Director-General, Francesco La Camera, emphasized the region's importance in the global energy transition and stated that Central Asia can play a stronger and leading role.
The event took place ahead of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week and brought together 170 member states, ministers, development banks, CEOs, and youth leaders. Kazakhstan's renewable energy development is delivering significant economic and social benefits, including job creation and energy security. The country's sustainability efforts contribute globally by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting a just energy transition.
Kazakhstan's renewable energy development is supported by international financial institutions like the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), which funds green economy projects including renewable auctions and battery storage rollout, promoting carbon neutrality by 2060. The EBRD-backed Green Economy Financing Facility helps businesses and households, including in remote regions, to adopt renewable energy and reduce emissions.
Moreover, Kazakhstan's sustainability efforts focus on workforce development through educational and training programs to build a skilled green workforce expected to grow to 12,000 jobs by 2030. Measures focus on retraining for renewable energy sectors, hydrogen, energy auditing, and carbon management — essential for sustaining long-term environmental and economic goals.
Kazakhstan's partnerships with Europe, China, and the Middle East, as discussed by Kasenov, make it an attractive destination for global investors. The partnership focused on by the dialogue was launched at the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29).
In summary, Kazakhstan's renewable energy goals, infrastructure investments, nuclear energy expansion, international partnerships, and workforce upskilling collectively enhance its contribution to global sustainability and the fight against climate change. The transition remains challenging due to coal dependency but shows strong positive momentum.
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