What is Kazakhstan's largest solar project?

Kazakhstan’s largest solar project – a 100 MW field in Saran, Karaganda Province – was opened last year by a German company, also with EBRD backing. Russian engineers doubled capacity at the EBRD-backed Burnoye plant in Zhambyl in 2018.

How many solar power plants are there in Kazakhstan?

Solar Power: The potential of solar energy in Kazakhstan is estimated at 2.5 billion kWh per year. Solar energy can be widely used in two-thirds of Kazakhstan’s territory. The government aimed to put 28 solar power plants into operation by the end of 2021, and met this goal, with currently 51 solar power plants in operation.

Where is Kazakhstan's new energy plant located?

It’s located in Zhambyl, near Kazakhstan’s border with Kyrgyzstan, an area known to be energy-poor but sunshine-rich. Difficult but necessary regulatory reforms were critical to getting the plant online. Using resources from the Climate Investment Funds and its partners, Kazakhstan introduced what’s called a feed-in tariff on clean energy.

Is Kazakhstan based on coal?

That’s Nurlan Kapenov, head of the national solar association. Since the country’s independence in 1991, he says Kazakhstan has relied heavily on its store of fossil fuels—including the largest coal reserves in Central Asia—to power an expanding economy. “For Kazakhstan, historically, most electricity generation is based on coal.

Does Kazakhstan rely on fossil fuels?

Almost every chemical on the periodic table. That’s Nurlan Kapenov, head of the national solar association. Since the country’s independence in 1991, he says Kazakhstan has relied heavily on its store of fossil fuels—including the largest coal reserves in Central Asia—to power an expanding economy.

Are big changes afoot in Kazakhstan?

Big changes are afoot in Kazakhstan. The Burnoye solar facility has sparked a movement that’s gaining momentum. This is just the beginning of a long journey, but Kazakhs have their eye on the bigger picture. Renewable energy chief Sospanova put it best.