Azernews.Az

By Aynur Jafarova

Kazakhstan is developing a new state program to provide energy efficiency that aims to reduce energy consumption, a senior official said on May 14.

"In order to reduce annual energy consumption by 10 percent, it is important to shift to a forced scenario of reduction of energy consumption. For this purpose, we are developing a new state program, 'Energy efficiency 2020'," Deputy Minister of Industry and New Technologies Kanysh Tuleushin said at a government meeting in Astana.

He also said that according to forecasts, if the energy conservation efforts are not taken into account, consumption of energy resources in Kazakhstan could amount to 90 million tons of oil equivalent by 2015 and 120 tons of oil equivalent by 2020.

"If we are able to successfully implement these energy conservation measures, we will be able to achieve a reduction of energy intensity by 10 percent by 2015, and by 25 percent in 2020," the deputy minister said.

According to him, "Energy efficiency 2020" will incorporate nine areas, including energy-efficient enterprises, energy-efficient construction and transport, energy-efficient society, as well as the innovative energy sector.

"We propose legislation to introduce a norm for the mandatory reduction of energy consumption in industrial facilities by three percent annually. Furthermore, we are talking about state support for enterprises in the purchase of energy-saving technologies and equipment," Tuleushin said.

It is offered to revise and tighten all regulations for energy-efficient construction as well as to introduce measures aimed at 'green construction'.

"We propose to adapt international standards in the transport sector for improvement of the energy efficiency of vehicles and to stimulate purchase of fuel-efficient cars," the deputy minister said.

The "Energy efficiency 2020" program is being developed on orders of the Kazakh President.

Earlier, chairman of the Kazenergy Association Timur Kulibayev said that energy efficiency should become the main trend of Kazakhstan's energy strategy.

"Energy efficiency is the main and primary trend in the development of the national energy strategy. The goals for 2020 should be defined clearly -- achievement of a 30 percent reduction of energy consumption in the country by increasing energy efficiency. 30 percent is quite an achievable indicator," Kulibayev said.