Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan ranks 61st in this year’s CCPI, as a very low performer. It rates low in Climate Policy and very low in GHG Emissions, Renewable Energy, and Energy Use.
Kazakhstan has a strategy for achieving carbon neutrality by 2060 and, overall, the CCPI country experts highlight ongoing operationalisation of the strategy. However, they criticise the lack of sector-specific targets. The strategy aims to reduce coal-fired generation and increase renewable energy, yet it proposes the use of natural gas as a transitional fuel and nuclear power in the energy mix. Moreover, while the coal phase-out is set for 2060, Kazakhstan plans to build 6 GW of new coal capacity by 2030, which the experts point to as a contradiction. Kazakhstan is among the 10 countries with the largest developed coal reserves, and it currently plans to increase its gas and oil production.
New Commitments Offer Promise, Though Climate Policy Needs More Ambition
Internationally, the CCPI experts welcome new commitments from Kazakhstan, such as the country joining the Global Methane Pledge at the end of 2023. However, they fear fossil fuel reserves and an overreliance on international assistance and afforestation for carbon sinks may hinder these targets.
The experts recommend a more ambitious climate policy with sector-specific targets for Kazakhstan. A clear vision and plans for phasing out coal are also needed. As water scarcity is an increasing concern in Kazakhstan, the experts urge the government to also focus on climate change adaptation strategies.
Key Outcomes
- Kazakhstan ranks 61st in this year’s CCPI, as a very low performer
- While the coal phase-out is set for 2060, Kazakhstan plans to build 6 GW of new coal capacity by 2030
- Key demands: more ambitious climate policy with sector-specific targets for Kazakhstan and a clear vision and plans for phasing out coal
CCPI Experts
The following national experts agreed to be mentioned as contributors for this year’s CCPI:
- Lyudmila Petrova (NGO Angel)
