Kazakhstan Steps Up Carbon Neutrality Efforts at Global Seminar

The School of Engineering and Digital Sciences at Nazarbayev University recently hosted the 89th technical seminar of the International Energy Agency (IEA), gathering leading global experts in carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies and clean energy. The two-day event, held on October 30-31, spotlighted the critical topic: “Application of Fluidized Bed Conversion Processes for Carbon Capture and Storage.”

The IEA’s Technical Collaboration Program focuses on advancing and implementing fluidized bed technologies to enable efficient fuel combustion with minimal emissions. This seminar provided a platform for experts to share their experiences and collaborate on solutions to address the global energy transition. By working closely with countries and organizations, the IEA aims to facilitate the adoption of cleaner and more efficient energy technologies worldwide.

The seminar holds particular importance for Kazakhstan, a nation committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2060. As part of this ambitious strategy, the government aims to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels by 50% by 2050 and cut carbon dioxide emissions by 30% by 2030.

Kazakhstan has already experienced the effects of climate change, with average temperatures rising by 0.28°C since 1940 and precipitation levels decreasing by 0.2 mm per decade. After a decline in energy consumption during the 1990s, greenhouse gas emissions began to rise alongside economic growth in the 2000s. By 2020, emissions reached 351.2 million tons of CO₂ equivalent, 8% lower than 1990 levels, partly due to the pandemic.

However, the energy sector—dominated by aging infrastructure with inefficiencies of up to 35%—accounts for 77.6% of greenhouse gas emissions. Despite coal representing only 29.4% of the energy mix, it contributes 55.7% of emissions. In 2020, Kazakhstan’s 179 power plants had an average age of 40-56 years, with over a third operating beyond their intended lifespan. This outdated infrastructure exacerbates energy losses and increases emissions.

Approximately 30 scientists, including online participants, shared their research during the seminar. Among the highlights, Professor Bo Leckner from Sweden’s Chalmers University of Technology emphasized Scandinavia’s leadership in carbon capture efforts. Norway, for instance, aims to become carbon-neutral by 2030, supported by projects like “Northern Lights,” which plans to store industrial emissions from across Europe in geological reservoirs beneath the Norwegian seabed.

Professor Fabrizio Scala from Federico II University in Naples, Italy, underscored the potential of converting captured carbon into synthetic fuels. Although costly and complex, this approach offers promising solutions for a sustainable future.

Kazakhstan’s Path Forward

To achieve its carbon neutrality goals, Kazakhstan has identified three key priorities:

1. Decarbonizing fossil fuel-related industries
2. Transitioning non-fossil fuel sectors
3. Expanding natural carbon sinks and implementing CCUS technologies

Yet, challenges remain. Local experts, including Professor Qalqaman Suleimenov, have highlighted technological and economic barriers that limit the country’s access to advanced carbon solutions.

Assistant Professor Yerbol Sarbassov, who organized the event, reminded attendees that Kazakhstan’s journey toward clean energy began in the 1980s but was interrupted by the collapse of the Soviet Union. Since 2016, Nazarbayev University’s “Clean Energy” group has spearheaded research in this field, successfully executing projects with support from major organizations and government entities.

The seminar underscored the importance of integrating Kazakhstani researchers with international experts to drive innovation. As Kazakhstan accelerates its transition to a greener economy, collaboration and knowledge exchange will be crucial to overcoming obstacles and achieving long-term sustainability. The insights shared at the seminar serve as a blueprint for future initiatives, reaffirming the nation’s commitment to a cleaner and more resilient energy sector.