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Asian Development Bank

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Kazakhstan has added two new solar power plants with a total installed capacity of 150 megawatts (MW) of renewable power to the energy mix as the country aims to increase the share of renewables in the electricity.

Over 1,500 photovoltaic solar panels have been installed 30 kilometers east of the Kazakh city of Kyzylorda and over 400,000 panels close to the town of Shu. Together they have added an additional 150 MW of clean energy to Kazakhstan’s as part of the country’s effort to further boost renewables in a nation blessed with high solar and wind potential.

141K

TONS OF CO₂E EMISSIONS SAVED EVERY YEAR

Both plants lie in an area that receives more sunshine and less rain than most, and where average summer temperatures are consistently above 30°C. It is estimated that together these projects reduce an estimated 141,000 tons of carbon emissions annually, helping the country towards the goal of making a 15% reduction in carbon emissions below 1990 levels by 2030. Power from each project is being sold under 15-year power purchase agreements.

The 100 MW plant just outside of Shu town is utilizing single axis tracking technology, so the panels rotate throughout the day to optimise the capture of solar energy. It is the first time that such technology has been implemented in Kazakhstan.

ADB has provided a loan of up to $ 12 million as part of the $70 million project.

The solar projects are helping Kazakhstan to fulfill its Paris Agreement commitment of 15% emissions reductions by 2030 (photo by Baikonyr Solar Limited Liability Company).

The Challenge

There is a significant electricity supply shortage, particularly in Kazakhstan’s southern region, where the electricity sector has a reliance on outdated coal-fired plants.

Co-Benefits

Economic Fuel savings are estimated to come to $9.4 million over the economic lifetime of the project as less kerosene will have to be purchased.

Social Local leaders, communities, and government units were engaged prior to the project development, and job opportunities were provided for local workers.