ABSTRACT
Kazakhstan is one of the world's largest producers of primary energy resources, with deep reserves of oil, gas, coal and uranium. Hence the country's economy is one of the most energy intensive in the world, and therefore there is great potential to increase energy efficiency across all sectors of Kazakhstan's economy. Recognising the success of the energy service companies (ESCO) mechanism in installing energy-efficiency projects across the world, the government of Kazakhstan in 2015 updated the Law on Energy Saving (LES) to authorise the creation of ESCOs. ESCOs usually identify energy-efficiency opportunities by conducting an energy audit, and then develop and design energy-efficiency projects. Kazakhstan needs an innovative approach that builds on the newly acquired skills to help clients introduce the identified energy-efficiency opportunities. Energy service centres (ESCs) will provide business and financial management solutions to help audited businesses develop their energy-efficiency project opportunities.
