Kazakhstan reduces energy intensity of economy 36.7% from 2008 levels

ASTANA. July 17 (Interfax) - Over the past decade, Kazakhstan has been able to cut the energy intensity of its economy 36.7% from 2008, a report from Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Zulfiya Suleimenova said.

Suleimenova made the presentation at a meeting of the Council for the Transition to a Green Economy, chaired by Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov.

"As part of the Green Economy Concept, over the past ten years, the economy's energy intensity has improved 36.7% compared to the level of 2008, and the share of renewable energy sources is up to 4.5%. Forested areas have increased to 5%, while protected natural areas increased to more than 10% of the country's territory," the report, distributed on Monday, said.

After the adoption of the strategy for achieving carbon neutrality in Kazakhstan by 2060, it is planned to increase the rate of recycling and disposal of municipal waste to 40% by 2030, and in the long term, to 60% by 2050, Suleimenova said.

National coverage for waste collection and disposal services should reach 100% by 2040 via the organization of a centralized system in rural areas.

"We plan to increase the share of processing and disposal of industrial waste to 60% by 2050 by stimulating the introduction of the best available technologies at enterprises. Along with this, work will be done to recultivate and build new landfills for solid household waste," the press release said.

As part of the implementation of the updated concept, measures will be taken to reduce emissions of pollutants into the atmosphere, in particular, through the modernization of thermal power plants and the transition to gas fuel, to protect natural areas, rare plant and animal species, and to expand forested areas.

The Prime Minister instructed the Ecology Ministry to accelerate the process of updating the concept and submit the project to the government by December 1.

The meeting also discussed plans and measures taken for the further development of renewable energy sources. It was noted that 132 renewable energy facilities with a total capacity of 2,525 MW are currently operating in the republic.

"The launch of new facilities is ahead of schedule. In total, by 2027 it is planned to introduce another 6,720 MW of renewable energy generation," the press release says.

The Prime Minister outlined the importance of synchronizing the sectors of traditional and renewable energy, as well as stimulating the development of small renewable energy installations at the household-level, and for small and medium-sized businesses and farms, the prime minister's press service said.