Energy systems, CO2 emissions, and mitigation policies in three Central Asian countries: A comprehensive review
Zhakiyev N. Khamzina A. Toimbek D. Omirgaliyev R. Shakib Kotamjani S. Alhuyi Nazari M. Salem M.
November 2025Elsevier Ltd
Energy Strategy Reviews
2025#62
In Central Asia, industrialization, urbanization, rising living standards, and population growth are key drivers of increasing energy consumption, which in turn contributes to elevated greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This article critically examines the CO2 equivalent (CO2eq) emission status in three Central Asian countries, namely Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan, all of which are signatories to the Paris Agreement. This study analyzes and compares the primary energy-related policies and plans to reduce emissions, offering insights into each countrys current status and paths toward emissions mitigation. According to data from the International Energy Agency (IEA), CO2 intensity in these countries remains significantly higher than in developed nations. This is mainly attributed to a heavy reliance on fossil fuels and the low efficiency of existing energy infrastructure. To address environmental concerns associated with CO2 emissions, the integration of renewable energy sources are expected to reduce carbon intensity, enhance overall sustainability, and operational efficiency. Besides integrating renewables into power generation, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have also developed plans to utilize renewable energy for hydrogen production as part of broader efforts to decarbonize different sectors and shift toward sustainable practices. However, several barriers hinder the achievement of CO2 reduction targets. These include limited public awareness of sustainable development goals, high capital costs associated with clean energy technologies, and a lack of comprehensive policies and robust implementation frameworks.
Central Asian countries , CO2 emissions , Energy planning , Energy policy , Mitigation policies , Renewable energy
Text of the article Перейти на текст статьи
School of Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, Astana IT University, Astana, 010000, Kazakhstan
Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies, Harvard University, Cambridge, 02138, United States
School of Digital Public Administration, Astana IT University, Astana, 010000, Kazakhstan
The School of Applied Social and Policy Sciences, Ulster University, United Kingdom
Department of Computer Engineering, Astana IT University, Astana, 010000, Kazakhstan
Department of English Education, Business School, Central Asian University, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
School of Energy Engineering and Sustainable Resources, College of Interdisciplinary Science and Technology, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
Institute of Research and Development, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Viet Nam
School of Engineering & Technology, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Viet Nam
School of Artificial Intelligence and Data Science
Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies
School of Digital Public Administration
The School of Applied Social and Policy Sciences
Department of Computer Engineering
Department of English Education
School of Energy Engineering and Sustainable Resources
Institute of Research and Development
School of Engineering & Technology
10 лет помогаем публиковать статьи Международный издатель
Книга Публикация научной статьи Волощук 2026 Book Publication of a scientific article 2026