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Kazakhstan – Central Asian Renewables Pioneer

Kazakhstan – Central Asian renewables pioneer Background Decorative Image

By Alistair Wishart, Nabil Khodadad and Afzaal Abidi*

Kazakhstan is the 63rd most populous country in the world, yet the 19th largest emitter of greenhouse gases. It is rich in natural resources, and oil exports have been driving Kazakhstan’s economic development for almost three decades.

Its energy sector accounts for a whopping 80% or more of the country’s carbon emissions. This is largely attributable to the domination of the power generation sector by ageing coal-fired power plants, which produce around 80% of Kazakhstan’s electricity, served by large volumes of cheap local coal in the north-east of the country.

Yet these circumstances have also presented opportunities for the development of renewable power generation in Kazakhstan. Slowly but surely, Kazakhstan is growing a renewables sector and its experiences and successes can provide an example for other Central Asian countries as they look to their own energy transitions.

Read the entire article here.

*Afzaal Abidi is a Trainee at our London Office

This information is provided by Vinson & Elkins LLP for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended, nor should it be construed, as legal advice.