Low-carbon development Strategy of the Republic of Kazakhstan: factors of formation and current state

Abstract

The article considers the Republic of Kazakhstan’s low-carbon development policy. The authors identify the main factors influencing policymaking and analyze the main «low-carbon» instruments applied in the country or planned for implementation at the national and regional levels. Kazakhstan is transitioning to low-carbon energy due to its reliance on resources, climate change concerns, energy security, international climate regulations, and regional aspirations. The analysis has shown that implementing low-carbon development policies at the national level considers the economic value of particular measures apart from environmental benefits, including energy and reputational interests. The authors point out that the significant role of traditional energy sources in the Kazakhstan economy, as well as in the energy supply of the country (especially coal), does not allow the Republic of Kazakhstan to pursue a rapid abandonment of «dirty» energy sources due to economic and energy costs. In this context, the authors characterize Kazakhstan’s low-carbon development policy as «pragmatic» and aimed at ensuring economic security.