Kazakhstan off-grid solar power generation system

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 install solar power plants?

At least 50% of the territory of Kazakhstan is suitable for installing solar power plants (Antonov, 2014). However, up until recently, solar resources of the country were not being used for power generation. Kazakhstan is developing solar energy technologies, namely production of photovoltaic modules using local silicon.

What is a power grid in Kazakhstan?

Electricity Transmission Sector Power grids of the Republic of Kazakhstan are a set of substations, switchgears and interconnecting transmission lines of 0.4-1150 kV, designed for transmission and (or) distribution of electric energy.

How many solar power plants are there in Kazakhstan?

As of now, there are 51 solar power plants in operation in Kazakhstan. The government aimed to have 28 solar power plants operational by the end of 2021 and successfully met this goal. The potential of solar energy in Kazakhstan is estimated at 2.5 billion kWh per year.

Who operates Kazakhstan's national grid?

Kazakhstan’s national grid is operated by Kazakhstan’s Electricity Grid Operating Company (KEGOC), a state-owned company responsible for electricity transmission and distribution network management. In total, in 2021, 114.3 billion kWh of electricity was generated at the country’s power plants.

Can solar power drive Kazakhstan's decarbonisation?

The focus now is on leveraging solar’s comparative advantages to drive forward Kazakhstan’s decarbonisation and harness its significant solar resources. This report builds on the first edition of solar investment opportunities in Kazakhstan.