Obstacles For Hydropower Station Projects In Kazakhstan

The whole world already uses hydropower stations (hereinafter – HPP, HPPs) as a main source of energy while Kazakhstan, possessing one of the most powerful hydro potentials, is only reconstructing its energy production sector. Notably, the government is doing huge work to increase the number of HPPs in the country, yet there is a number of barriers impeding the development.

Sector overview

Kazakhstan is in an active phase of transition from traditional to alternative energy sources. Presidential Decree No. 577 of 30 May 2013 approved the Concept for Transition to a Green Economy. The document contains the goals, objectives, milestones, and steps necessary for the gradual transformation of the existing energy production model. Kazakhstan has set itself the ambitious goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2060.¹