Replacing Coal and Gas: Opportunities for Solar Energy in Kazakhstan

Global demand for electricity will increase by 38% between 2020 and 2030, according to analysts at the International Energy Agency. This is driven by global growth in electricity consumption, which has already increased by a record 5.4% in 2021. The negative impact of traditional coal energy on the environment and the need to introduce a safe and efficient method of generating energy are forcing us to look for alternative ways to meet the needs of the entire world, Delovoy Kazakhstan reports.

Among all renewable energy sources, one of the most promising areas has become solar energy, which is the largest sector of global energy. According to experts, in 2022, solar generation facilities will account for 60% of all alternative energy sources in the world, or 190 GW (+25% compared to 2021).

In Kazakhstan, the share of solar energy use is also showing steady growth. Favorable climatic and weather conditions with up to 3,000 hours of sunshine per year allow for the full use of all the advantages of solar energy. Availability of energy resources, the possibility of unlimited use, independence from tariff growth and reliability are far from all the advantages of using solar energy.

Today, the possibilities of switching to solar energy are becoming available not only to large corporations, but also to the general public. For example, the integration of Huawei Technologies Kazakhstan and Helio Solar makes it possible to install solar power plants in both production, industrial, commercial facilities and residential buildings, taking into account individual needs and characteristics.

One of the first joint projects of the companies was the installation of a solar energy storage system from Huawei Technologies Kazakhstan in a private house in Ust-Kamenogorsk. The transition to “green” energy has improved the quality of electricity and its stability, and has also leveled the possibility of external outages and power surges. Other important advantages are contributing to environmental protection and economic benefits - the payback period for solar energy converters is on average about 5 years with a service life of up to 25 years.

"Renewable energy sources and, above all, solar energy are one of the rapidly growing areas of alternative energy sources in Kazakhstan. Today, the most convenient conditions are being created for the introduction of "green" energy technologies in various sectors of life. The cooperation between Huawei Technologies Kazakhstan and Helio Solar covers all consumer needs. From Huawei, he receives equipment: energy converters and energy storage systems. From Helio Solar, he receives high-quality service: design, installation, consultations at every stage. Such well-thought-out cooperation allows us to qualitatively change all ideas about modern energy supply systems"
Huawei Technologies Kazakhstan Expert

In Kazakhstan, the use of solar energy is one of the most expedient methods, given the vast territory of the country. The installation of an autonomous system on solar batteries will cover all the needs of facilities not connected to the general power grid due to remoteness or lack of power of the nearest networks. This advantage is also invaluable when electricity consumption is infrequent or low. Using solar energy when relaxing in the country or working at a remote duty station will be an ideal solution for providing the necessary technical conveniences. Maintenance of solar panels does not require frequent work. Autonomy of equipment operation, protection from weather conditions and the possibility of remote diagnostics allow for safe operation of solar energy storage systems.

"As a company that chooses only the highest quality, we value partners with the same point of view. We have been cooperating with Huawei Technologies Kazakhstan for more than four years. Its proven warranties, price/quality ratio, aesthetics of the equipment and proven name set high standards of work. Huawei products have a 10-year warranty with a technical service life of 15 years or more, while conventional gel batteries have only a one-year warranty"
Makpal Akpayeva, CEO of Helio Solar

Absolute energy independence, environmental friendliness and the concept of minimal maintenance throughout the entire period of operation attract special attention from the whole world to power supply systems based on solar panels. Today, the USA, Germany, Great Britain and Canada plan to completely transfer their networks to environmentally friendly electricity over the next 15 years. The use of alternative energy sources is crucial to achieving zero emissions in the energy sector and maintaining the natural balance. For example, since 2013, Huawei Technologies solar power plants have generated 180 billion kWh of electricity. This volume is equivalent to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 108 million tons per year or planting 200 million trees.

The range of solar energy use, in addition to its renewable nature and energy security, is no different from traditional methods. Solar energy can also be used to generate heat, space heating and/or hot water. Modern grid-connected solar power plants are easy to install, easily connected to the monitoring and control system, synchronized with the grid and support its optimal operation.