Kazakhstan's Emissions to Decrease by Over 300,000 Tons Thanks to Advanced Cleaning Technologies by 2035
**Kazakhstan Embraces Green Economy Transformation**
Kazakhstan is leading the charge towards a sustainable future, with a multi-faceted strategy aimed at achieving carbon neutrality and driving economic modernization. Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov and the Council for the Transition to a Green Economy are spearheading this effort, as evidenced by the recent meeting held on June 25.
The meeting focused on reducing industrial emissions, modernizing production, and promoting environmental sustainability. Key reports were presented on environmental progress in the industrial regions of Karagandy, East Kazakhstan, and Ulytau. Industry leaders, government officials, and environmental experts were in attendance, demonstrating the collaborative nature of this transition.
One of the key industrial players driving this transformation is the Kazakhmys Corporation. The company has achieved a remarkable 99.9% efficiency in dust capture at its enrichment plants, a testament to its commitment to cleaner production methods. Moreover, the gasification of its Zhezkazgan Copper Smelter has resulted in a 16% reduction in atmospheric emissions.
Similarly, Kazakhmys Corporation processes 100% of its slag to recover valuable materials such as copper concentrate and crude lead. This recycling effort not only reduces waste but also contributes to a more circular economy. Improvements at the Balkhash Copper Smelter have decreased freshwater intake by 35%, further demonstrating the company's focus on resource efficiency.
Another major player, Kazzinc, is investing over 108 billion tenge (US$209.6 million) in new technologies. These investments include sulfur dioxide recovery systems and upgraded filters for solid particle capture, furthering Kazakhstan's commitment to cleaner production.
Kazzinc's efforts have been impressive, with a significant reduction in emissions at its Ust-Kamenogorsk site. From 69,000 tons in 2001, emissions have been reduced nearly to 15,000 tons today.
Qarmet is also playing its part in this transition, implementing a 2024-2030 roadmap that includes modernizing boiler systems, transitioning to natural gas, and reconstructing air and water purification systems. Over the past two years, Qarmet has reduced its air emissions by 10.3% and cut waste generation by 19.8%.
The government's efforts extend beyond industrial modernization. By 2035, Kazakhstan aims to cut harmful atmospheric emissions by over 300,000 tons through the introduction of Best Available Techniques (BAT) and advanced clean technologies in industry, alongside improvements in energy efficiency.
In addition, Kazakhstan operates 156 renewable energy plants with a total capacity exceeding 3 GW. Plans are in place to add more than 26 GW of additional energy capacity by 2035, including commissioning renewable capacities such as wind and solar power, along with low-emission coal and gas power plants. Integration of renewables is supported by grid infrastructure investments worth billions.
The government is also expanding high-speed internet and mobile coverage to rural areas to support economic modernization, which indirectly facilitates efficient energy and resource management.
Kazakhstan's approach combines regulatory measures, technological upgrades in resource-intensive sectors, expanding clean and renewable energy capacities, and fostering innovation and international cooperation. This multi-faceted strategy is integral to achieving its carbon neutrality goals by mid-century while driving economic modernization toward sustainability.
According to Yerlan Nyssanbayev, Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, the adoption of clean technologies could help Kazakhstan reduce harmful emissions by over 300,000 tons by 2035. This ambitious goal, along with the ongoing efforts of companies like Kazakhmys Corporation and Kazzinc, positions Kazakhstan as a regional leader in green economic transformation and carbon neutrality.
Sources: [1] Prime Minister's press service (June 25, 2022) [2] Council for the Transition to a Green Economy [3] Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry [4] Ministry of Energy [5] Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources
- As part of Kazakhstan's green economy transformation, financing is being allocated for Kazzinc to implement new technologies such as sulfur dioxide recovery systems and solid particle capture filters, demonstrating the integration of finance and science in this sustainable transition.
- In the context of environmental-science, Kazakhmys Corporation's acquisition of 99.9% dust capture efficiency at its enrichment plants and 16% reduction in atmospheric emissions at the Zhezkazgan Copper Smelter showcase the industry's role in energy conservation through cleaner production methods.
- The government's strategy for achieving carbon neutrality includes the expansion of renewable energy capacities, particularly in wind and solar power, which is integral to combating climate-change by minimizing the industry's carbon footprint.
