The Kazakh government recently convened a council meeting to discuss the transition to a green economy with the ultimate goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2060. Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov led the meeting, which focused on developing measures to meet the targets set for the green economy. The meeting took place on June 27 and included reports from mayors of various regions in Kazakhstan.
During the meeting, several regions were highlighted for their positive results in adopting renewable energy sources. North Kazakhstan, for example, has 174 renewable energy sources with a capacity of 70.3 megawatts and 125 biomass boilers powered by plant-based fuel. These initiatives have helped provide energy to 80 budget institutions and save millions of tenge.
In addition, enterprise emissions have significantly decreased in the Akmola Region, with a 96% reduction compared to 2021. Moreover, green energy accounts for 74% of the region’s total power output.
The Zhambyl Region reported plans to repair 257 water bodies by 2025 to ensure efficient use of water resources, especially from transboundary rivers Talas and Shu.
Kazakhstan has been working towards a green economy for over a decade now, with the share of renewable energy reaching 4.5%. The recycling rate of production waste has also increased to 25%, while consumption has reached 39%. However, implementing best available techniques in industrial and agricultural sectors is essential for achieving the goals of transitioning to a green economy.
Prime Minister Bektenov emphasized the importance of developing mechanisms for green lending and issuing green bonds to support environmentally friendly projects. These financial instruments will play a crucial role in funding initiatives that contribute to Kazakhstan’s transition to a sustainable future.
