Green energy in grey areas: The financial and policy challenges of Kazakhstans energy transition
Zhakiyev N. Burkhanova D. Nurkanat A. Zhussipkaliyeva S. Sospanova A. Khamzina A.
June 2025Elsevier Ltd
Energy Research and Social Science
2025#124
Renewable energy development in Kazakhstan faces significant challenges, including outdated infrastructure, underdeveloped local production, and regulatory uncertainties. Despite the governments efforts to promote green finance policies, systemic barriers persist across financial, technological, policy, and social dimensions. This study aims to a) identify and categorize the principal barriers and risks, b) assess and rank these barriers from multiple expert perspectives, and c) propose strategic policy measures to facilitate sustainable growth in the countrys renewable energy sector. A mixed-method approach was employed, combining semi-structured expert interviews and an expert panel survey. The findings from the interviews informed the survey design, ensuring relevance. Descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests were used to compare expert perceptions across different experience levels and sectors. The analysis revealed five major barriers - low tariffs for fossil-fuel electricity, underdeveloped local production, outdated infrastructure, limited experience in localization, and lack of public interest in energy-efficient technologies. Experts perspectives varied by experience level: early-career professionals focused on micro-level issues: local production and public awareness, while senior experts emphasized macro-level challenges such as inadequate integration planning. Sector-specific assessments further highlighted technology and regulatory gaps. A risk heatmap showcased regulatory uncertainty, technological lag, and high capital expenditures as the most pressing concerns for investors. The findings reveal the need for comprehensive policy reforms, including clear strategic roadmaps, government-backed financial instruments, and stronger alignment of stakeholders to mitigate market and operational risks. The findings provide valuable insights for other fossil-fuel-dependent economies facing similar challenges in transitioning to renewable energy, using Kazakhstans experience as an important reference point.
Barriers to renewable energy , Energy transition , Expert panel survey , Kazakhstan , Renewable energy sources , Risks , Sustainable development
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Department of Science and Innovation, Astana IT University, Kazakhstan
School of Sciences and Humanities, Nazarbayev University, Kazakhstan
Department of General Education Disciplines, Astana IT University, Kazakhstan
Department for Quality Assurance, Astana IT University, Kazakhstan
Renewable Energy Association “Qazaq Green”, Astana, Kazakhstan
Department of Science and Innovation
School of Sciences and Humanities
Department of General Education Disciplines
Department for Quality Assurance
Renewable Energy Association “Qazaq Green”
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