Development and use of renewable energy sources (RES) was the key topic of the workshop in the ministry of industry and new technologies. A two-day forum organized within the frames of Kazakhstan-American commission for partnership in energy brought together both domestic specialists and experts from U.S.

In his presentation D. Turganov, the MINT vice minister noted one of the causes of reducing competitiveness – high rates of energy consumption.

Energy saving to-date is the only and non-alternative instrument able to decrease use of energy without reduction of industrial growth and construction and to achieve indexes of GDP –power consumption in developed countries, he said.

Important directions in RES development in RK is use of wind and solar power - their potential is assessed at over 1 trillion kWh. But “supportive mechanisms” are required for that. In 2009 RK Law “On support to renewable energy sources’ use” was adopted.

Since early-2010 the program of accelerated industrial –innovative development has been “marching” on the country: in keeping with its targeted indicators the share of renewable sources is to make up over 1% of the total energy consumption. With regard to AIID goals a draft “On energy saving and rise of energy effectiveness” envisaging stimulation and enforcement for saving is under amendment.

The taken measures will reduce greenhouse emissions by 15% in 2020 and positively tell on the businesses’ competitiveness.

Anastasiya Baitova