Energy is not merely an infrastructural component of economic development but also stands among the key drivers of social equity, environmental sustainability, and technological transformation. The energy policies of the 21st century are shaped not solely by concerns over energy supply security but also by efforts to reduce energy poverty, promote low-carbon development, and address climate change. In this context, the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted in 2015, has driven states toward a multidimensional and comprehensive reform process. The seventh goal of this agenda, Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7), which strives to ensure affordable, sustainable, reliable, and modern energy access for all, lies at the heart of this transformation.
Kazakhstan, with its vast fossil fuel reserves, its role as a regional energy hub based on energy exports, and its economic structure, is among the most significant actors in Eurasia’s energy landscape. However, this role simultaneously brings transformation pressures and environmental responsibilities upon the state. The country’s primary energy consumption remains heavily reliant on coal, with fossil fuels accounting for over 70 percent of the energy mix. This reliance causes the energy sector to be responsible for a substantial share of Kazakhstan’s total greenhouse gas emissions. In this context, Kazakhstan launched a data-driven, multi-stakeholder, and strategic transformation process with the introduction of the SDG 7 Roadmap in 2025, aiming to align its energy sector with SDG 7. The roadmap was prepared under the framework of the United Nations Development Account (UNDA) project, jointly implemented through the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE).[i]
Energy efficiency is one of the main pillars of this roadmap. The primary objective of the roadmap is to align Kazakhstan’s energy framework with the SDG 7 targets by 2030 and, in the long term, to achieve net-zero carbon emissions. Within this scope, four key policy priorities have been established: (1) strengthening energy efficiency across all sectors of activity; (2) electrifying the transport sector; (3) decarbonizing electricity supply; and (4) transforming the heating sector to reduce its emissions. These main pillars are not limited solely to energy technologies but also encompass complementary elements such as the investment climate, regulatory framework, and public awareness.[ii]
The transportation sector accounts for approximately 20% of the government’s energy consumption. This roadmap recommends accelerating the transition to electric vehicles across various industrial fields, renewing rail infrastructure, and promoting the use of green fuels such as hydrogen and biofuels. This transformation is crucial both for combating urban air pollution and reducing carbon emissions. However, the limited electric vehicle charging infrastructure within the state currently hinders the short-term feasibility of this objective. In this regard, beyond public investments, private sector participation at this stage is of critical importance. The roadmap encompasses not only technical strategies but also offers numerous recommendations related to investment mechanisms and institutional reforms.[iii]
At the official launch event held in Astana in 2025, the main outcomes of the SDG 7 Roadmap were shared with the public, alongside the introduction of the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) initiative. This initiative is based on a multidimensional approach that includes not only investment and technology but also local development plans, employment transition, and social protection measures. Particularly, increasing economic diversification in coal-dependent sectors is of paramount importance for the success of this model.
In conclusion, Kazakhstan’s adopted SDG 7 Roadmap is not merely a technical document focused on the energy sector; rather, it is a strategic vision that integrates principles of regional development, social justice, multi-stakeholder governance, and environmental responsibility. This roadmap contributes to strengthening Kazakhstan’s integration into global sustainability goals and serves as a significant model in terms of technology transfer, regional energy partnerships, and climate diplomacy. However, the realization of these objectives depends not only on the implementation of the strategies outlined in this document but also on the sustained institutional capacity, political will, and public support. The success of transformation in the energy sector is measured by social equity, governance quality, and environmental integrity.
[i] “Launch of the SDG 7 Roadmap for Kazakhstan: Advancing Sustainable Energy,” Qazaq Green, available at: https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=wazaq+green+Launch+of+the+SDG+7+Roadmap+for+Kazakhstan%3A+advancing+sustainable+energy&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8, (Accessed: 25.07.2025).
[ii] “Kazakhstan and Armenia Launch SDG 7 Roadmaps to Boost Affordable and Clean Energy Access,” Daryo.uz, available at: https://daryo.uz/en/2025/05/19/kazakhstan-and-armenia-launch-sdg-7-roadmaps-to-boost-affordable-and-clean-energy-access, (Accessed: 25.07.2025).
[iii] Ibid.
