Kazakhstan, Astana, April 16 / Trend D. Mukhtarov /
Coal energy in Kazakhstan may preserve its leading position, but only in the case of 'clean coal' technology, Chairman of the Board of OJSC Samruk-Energo, Almasadam Satkaliyev thinks.
"While developing the future strategy for the transition to a 'green' economy, it should be considered that cut and dried scenarios cannot be applied in Kazakhstan, where there are large deposits of coal even on the surface," Satkaliyev told Trend on Monday.
Satkaliyev recalled that at present the share of coal power comprises 80 per cent of all the electricity generated in Kazakhstan.
"Today, the global trends show an increase in the share of coal in power generation. In order to ensure the global energy security, this power generation type should be developed only with the use of 'clean coal' technology," the head of Samruk-Energo said.
According to him, the National Energy Technology Laboratory, which defines global energy policy, is now is focusing all its efforts on developing new 'clean coal' technologies.
"In our climate, we cannot completely replace the coal generation. The new technology itself is a transition to a 'green' economy," Satkaliyev said.
In his view, it isn't worth it to hurry with the replacement of coal power production with gas generation, as the social factor should also be considered.
"We should not shrug off the fact that the reduction in the number of jobs in the coal industry which is one of the most labour intensive sectors requires a detailed study. This also affects the social aspect, as electric power prices are a very sensitive area," he said.
