Will Kazakhstan throw coal out of the energy sector?

“The energy sector of Kazakhstan traditionally op-erates mainly on coal, and the share of coal con-sumption is quite large. We will not throw coal out of the equation. Moreover, we want to build new coal power blocks and modernise those coal power plants that we already have”.8

Could coal-fired power plants be used in Kazakhstan?

As already mentioned in the previous chapter, some existing coal-fired power plants could be used in Kazakhstan to increase flexibility so as to integrate more variable renewable power in the medium term.

Why is coal important in Kazakhstan?

Coal is the backbone of Kazakhstan's energy sector, generating 66% of all electricity15 and 80% of thermal energy.16 It also plays an important role in industry, most prominently in steel production. Kazakhstan fully meets its domestic demand for thermal coal.

Does Kazakhstan need a heat supply system?

However, the ‘Concept for the develop-ment of the electric power industry of the Republic of Kazakhstan until 2035’ notes that the creation of an efective heat supply system would be made possible by increasing the share of thermal energy sources based on the use of renewables and alterna-tive energy sources.59 Kazakhstan therefore requires

Should Kazakhstan switch from coal to renewables?

In the next few years, Kazakhstan will have to make a choice between trying to maintain the existing structure of its electricity sector (and thus the status quo of its whole economy) at any cost, as one option, and pursuing a transition of its power sector from coal directly to renewables, as the other option.

What is the connection between electricity and heat in Kazakh-Stan?

Electricity and heat are interconnected in Kazakh-stan through CHP to a much higher extent than in most other countries of the world – over one-third of heat in the country is generated at CHP power plants,74 and CHP is highly reliant on coal. This means that planning for the electricity sector cannot be entirely separated from the heat sector.