Is solar energy a viable energy source in Kazakhstan?

In 2019, another solar power plant in Kazakhstan, Saran, with a capacity of 100 MW started its operation in the Karaganda region (Satubaldina, 2020). According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), within the period of 40 years, solar energy has a potential to meet about 20-25% of the energy demand of the country.

Is Kazakhstan a good place to invest in solar power?

Kazakhstan has remarkable solar potential with a very well-designed auction system, a clear renewable capacity addition schedule, and a solid decarbonisation target. The country is now also including storage systems as part of its public procurement strategy in a move that will ease further integration of renewables into the grid.

What is Kazakhstan's First Solar power plant?

The plant is to produce solar cells using Kazakhstan’s silicon. The designed capacity of photovoltaic wafers is 50 MW with a potential to increase up to 100 MW. In 2012, the first solar power station, “Otar,” that generates 0.5 MW of energy, was also built in the Zhambyl region.

Where are solar power plants located in Kazakhstan?

In 2019, Nurgisa solar power plant with a capacity of 100 MW in Kapshagay, Almaty region started its operation (informburo.kz, 2019). In 2019, another solar power plant in Kazakhstan, Saran, with a capacity of 100 MW started its operation in the Karaganda region (Satubaldina, 2020).

How much solar energy does Kazakhstan use a year?

In the southern regions of Kazakhstan, the annual consumption of solar energy is from 1,280 to 1,870 kWh per 1 m2 for each square meter. Solar energy can be widely used in two-thirds of the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan, with a total duration of solar radiation ranging from 2,800 to 3,000 hours per year.

What is the energy potential of Kazakhstan?

Kazakhstan has significant potential for renewable energy. The wind potential is estimated to be 1.8trn kWh per year, which is close to 10 times Kazakhstan’s current energy consumption, according to UN estimates. Solar energy also has great potential given the number of sunny hours per year, typically between 2,200 and 3,000 hours, implying a capacity of 1,300-1,800kW/sqm per year. Hydro power is another renewable energy source with potential in Kazakhstan.