ABSTRACT
Wind and solar energy can be major contributors of renewable energy in the country. This chapter considers the major energy and climate challenges in Kazakhstan. It explores the availability, potential and future scenarios of renewable energy use in Kazakhstan. The chapter discusses the government policies, economic aspects and barriers hindering improvements of renewables in Kazakhstan. It analyses the potential of renewable energy use in Kazakhstan, the country's renewable energy incentive mechanisms, barriers and some of the steps that Kazakhstan needs to take in order to provide socio-economic development and a sustainable energy system that do not promote further climate change or result in other forms of environmental degradation. It assumes that substantial investments in wind and solar power systems, which ultimately cover 30 per cent of the electricity demand in 2030. The law was a necessary step in order to realise the reduction in GHG emissions, increasing the share of renewable energy consumed relative to fossil fuels.
