Kasachstan auf dem Weg zu kohlenstoffarmen Technologien
Kasachstan unter Druck: Übergang zu kohlenstoffarmen Technologien für nachhaltiges Wachstum
ASTANA – Kasachstan, one of the world’s leading producers of natural resources, is facing increasing pressure to introduce low-carbon technologies in order to remain competitive in the face of stricter global regulations on carbon emissions. As emissions-intensive sectors such as aviation, transportation, metallurgy, and cement production dominate the country’s economy, the country must accelerate its decarbonization efforts. A recent report by the World Economic Forum (WEF) titled „High-Emission Sectors: Challenges and Opportunities for Low-Carbon Technology Providers“ outlines key strategies for transitioning to sustainable technologies and emphasizes the urgent need for structural changes in the energy, transportation, and industrial sectors.
Transition to sustainable aviation fuel
Due to the significant carbon dioxide emissions from modern engines, aviation remains one of the sectors facing the greatest challenge in decarbonization. The report identifies Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and new technologies such as hydrogen and electric motors for short-haul flights as key solutions for emission reduction.
SAF is derived from renewable sources such as plant oils, cooking oil, agricultural waste, and carbon dioxide, and can reduce emissions by up to 80% compared to fossil fuels over its lifecycle. Its compatibility with existing engines makes it a practical solution for airports.
For Kazakhstan, which aims to be a regional aviation hub, SAF presents a great opportunity to reduce the sector’s CO2 footprint. Investments in SAF production and storage infrastructure could not only make the country’s aviation more environmentally friendly but also position the country as neighboring markets transitioning to sustainable fuels. However, such developments require significant infrastructure investments, which could be supported by international development banks and private investors.
Goods transportation and logistics
Kazakhstan’s transportation sector is strategically important as it connects Europe and Asia, but it is also a major source of CO2 emissions. The WEF report suggests that electric and hydrogen-powered trucks are promising technologies for reducing the sector’s environmental impact.
Kazakhstan could develop infrastructure for electric charging stations and hydrogen refueling stations, paving the way for cleaner freight transport. Increasing the share of rail freight transport – which is already much less CO2-intensive than road transport – could further support decarbonization efforts.
Government incentives such as tax breaks and grants for the purchase of electric or hybrid vehicles could encourage companies to adopt sustainable transport solutions. The country could also join international initiatives for green corridors, where low-carbon transport is given priority over high-carbon transport. These efforts will attract foreign investment and funding from global organizations promoting sustainable logistics.
Modernization of metallurgy and cement production
Metallurgy and cement production are among Kazakhstan’s most carbon-intensive industries and contribute significantly to national emissions. The WEF report highlights that modernizing production processes and implementing Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technologies are essential for decarbonization.
Kazakhstan could introduce renewable energy and CCS technologies for the metallurgy sector that capture carbon dioxide emissions and store them underground. This approach would significantly reduce emissions while ensuring environmental protection.
The country’s vast geological formations are well suited for long-term carbon dioxide storage and offer opportunities for creating a CCS infrastructure at major industrial sites. This would enable export-oriented companies to meet low-carbon standards while supporting economic growth.
Kazakhstan could collaborate with international technology companies to introduce best practices for decarbonizing steel and cement production. Upgrading factories with energy-efficient technologies would ensure that these industries are resilient to future climate challenges.
To promote investment, Kazakhstan could establish special economic zones for companies focusing on CCS and other low-carbon technologies, and offer tax incentives and subsidies to encourage private sector engagement.
As the world accelerates the transition to low-carbon technologies, the country has a unique opportunity to modernize its carbon-intensive industries. Investments in SAF, electric and hydrogen transport infrastructure, modernization of metallurgy and cement production, and CCS technologies will enable Kazakhstan to significantly reduce emissions and become a regional leader in low-carbon development.
The article was originally published on economykz.org.
