THE RELEVANCE OF SOLAR ENERGY IN KAZAKHSTAN

ABSTRACT

Solar energy is one of the most promising and rapidly developing sources of renewable energy in the world. Its importance continues to grow in the context of global challenges such as climate change and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. In this context, photovoltaic (PV) plants using solar energy to generate electricity are becoming increasingly in demand and competitive in the energy market.

One of the countries with significant potential for the development of solar energy is the Republic of Kazakhstan. The country's solar resources have a high potential for use in electricity generation, which makes solar energy an important element of its energy strategy for the future.

The purpose of this study is to analyze the state and prospects of development of photovoltaic power plants in Kazakhstan. Within the framework of this study, an overview of existing PV projects in the country will be carried out, an analysis of the economic efficiency of solar energy will be carried out, and key obstacles and factors affecting the development of solar energy in Kazakhstan will be identified. Based on the results obtained, recommendations will be formulated for further actions to increase the share of solar energy in the country's energy balance and the development of PV technologies.

Keywords: solar energy, renewable energy, photovoltaic (pv) plants, solar resources, photovoltaic power plants, pv projects, incentive measures, solar panel technologies, monocrystalline, polycrystalline, thin-film panels.

Overview of solar energy in Kazakhstan

In Kazakhstan, solar energy is one of the most promising sources of renewable energy. The country has a huge potential for using solar energy due to its geographical location and climatic conditions. Regions such as the southern regions of the country are characterized by high solar radiation intensity and a long sunny season, which creates favorable conditions for the development of solar energy.

Analysis of the potential of solar energy in the region:

Research shows that the potential of solar energy in Kazakhstan is huge and amounts to more than 3,000 hours of sunlight per year. This potential allows the country to use solar energy in both primary and additional sources of energy supply. The potential is especially high in the southern regions of the country, such as South Kazakhstan and West Kazakhstan regions, where the intensity of solar radiation reaches 1,800-2,000 kWh per square meter per year.

The history of the development of solar energy in the country:

Solar energy has been actively developing in Kazakhstan since the early 2000s. The first major PV projects were launched in the late 2000s and early 2010s. Over time, interest in solar energy in the country has grown, and now Kazakhstan is becoming an increasingly attractive market for investors in this area.

Legislative framework and incentive measures:

The legislative framework in the field of solar energy in Kazakhstan is developing in order to create favorable conditions for investors and the development of the industry. In 2013, the Law "On Support for the Use of Renewable Energy Sources" was adopted, which provides various incentives and benefits for investors in solar energy. In addition, the country has launched various programs and initiatives aimed at supporting the development of solar energy, such as financing programs, tax incentives and government guarantees.

This review provides an insight into the state of solar energy in Kazakhstan, its potential, development history and legislative support, which is an important context for further analysis and research of this topic.

Photovoltaic plant technologies

Photovoltaic (PV) stations are systems that convert solar energy directly into electricity using solar panels. There are several major solar panel technologies, including silicon (monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and amorphous) and thin-film panels (CIGS, CdTe, and amorphous silicon). Each of these technologies has its own characteristics and advantages, which allows you to choose the most appropriate type of panels depending on the specific operating conditions and project requirements.

Types of solar panels and their characteristics:

1. Monocrystalline solar panels: Have the highest conversion rate, which means that they provide the highest efficiency of converting solar energy into electricity. They also have a uniform black color and a high degree of efficiency at high temperatures.
2. Polycrystalline solar panels: cheaper to produce than monocrystalline, and have slightly lower efficiency. They have a bluish tinge and can be a good choice for projects with a limited budget.
3. Thin-film solar panels: More flexible and lightweight than silicon panels and can be installed on a variety of surfaces. They are less efficient, but may be more suitable for some projects due to their flexibility and lightness.

Conversion efficiency and the choice of optimal technologies:

The conversion efficiency of a solar panel is a key indicator of its performance. It is defined as the ratio of the output power of a solar panel to the input solar energy. High conversion efficiency means that the panel can generate more electricity from the same area of the sunlight source. When choosing the optimal solar panel technology, it is important to consider both conversion efficiency and other factors such as cost, availability and durability.

Principles of operation and components of PV stations:

The main component of a PV station is solar panels that convert solar energy into direct current (DC). This direct current is then transmitted to an inverter, which converts it into alternating current (AC), which can be used to power electrical devices. Other components of the PV station include mounting structures (panel mounts), monitoring and control systems, as well as batteries for storing excess energy.

Potential for the development of solar energy

Kazakhstan has significant potential for the development of solar energy due to its extensive natural resource of solar energy. The intensity of solar radiation in the southern regions of the country is very high, which makes them especially suitable for the deployment of solar energy projects. With the availability of suitable technologies and infrastructure, solar energy can become an important additional source of energy for Kazakhstan.

Assessment of the prospects for the development of photovoltaic technologies in the country: With the development of technology and the reduction in the cost of solar panels and related equipment, photovoltaic technologies are becoming more affordable and competitive in the energy market of Kazakhstan. It is assumed that in the coming years the development of solar energy in the country will be active, and the volume of investments in this industry will gradually increase.

The role of PV stations in achieving climate goals and sustainable development:

PV plants play a key role in achieving climate goals and sustainable development by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. The use of solar energy helps to reduce harmful effects on the environment and contributes to the creation of an environmentally friendly and sustainable energy system. Therefore, the development of PV stations is a priority for Kazakhstan in the context of its commitment to sustainable development and reduction of harmful environmental impacts.

Trends and prospects

Analysis of current trends in the development of solar energy in the world:At the global level, solar energy is in the stage of active growth and development. Every year, the volume of installed solar capacity increases, and the cost of solar technologies continues to decrease. Important development trends are increasing the efficiency of solar panels, expanding the use of solar energy in various spheres of life (from industry to household), the development of innovative technologies (for example, energy storage) and increasing the resistance of solar systems to extreme weather conditions.

Forecasts and prospects for the development of solar energy in Kazakhstan: In Kazakhstan, solar energy has a huge potential for development. In the coming years, active deployment of solar energy projects is expected, both at the commercial and at the home level. Under favorable conditions of investment policy, infrastructure development and the introduction of supportive measures, solar energy can become an important source of energy in the country. Forecasts suggest that the share of solar energy in total electricity production will continue to grow, which will reduce dependence on traditional energy sources and reduce harmful effects on the environment.

Recommendations for further research and development in the field of PV stations:

1. To further develop solar energy and improve the efficiency of PV plants in Kazakhstan, it is recommended to conduct additional research and development in the following areas:
2. Research into the possibilities of optimizing solar energy systems, including improving the design of panels, increasing their efficiency and durability.
3. Development of innovative technologies for solar energy storage, which will solve the problem of instability of energy supplies and increase the reliability of solar systems.
4. Analysis of the potential use of solar energy in various fields, including industry, transport and household, in order to maximize the optimization and expansion of the use of solar technologies.
5. Conducting research on the implementation of smart grids and load management technologies to optimize the use of solar energy and reduce energy costs.

Conclusion

As a result of the conducted research, the following main conclusions can be drawn:

1. Solar energy has significant potential for development in Kazakhstan due to the high intensity of solar radiation and extensive natural resources.
2. Photovoltaic plant technologies such as monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels represent efficient and promising solutions for the production of solar energy in the country.
3. Stimulating investments in solar energy, developing supportive measures and regulatory mechanisms, as well as training specialists in this field, are important steps for the successful development of the industry.
4. The development of solar energy is important for the energy sector of Kazakhstan and contributes to the sustainable development of the country, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

Prospects for the development of photovoltaic plants in Kazakhstan include:

• Further reducing the cost of solar technologies and increasing their efficiency.
• Active deployment of solar energy projects at the commercial and home levels.
• The development of infrastructure and supportive measures to attract investment and stimulate the growth of the industry.

The study of solar energy is important for the energy sector of Kazakhstan and the sustainable development of the country. It helps to identify the potential of solar energy, determine the prospects for the development of the industry and develop strategies for its successful implementation in practice.

References:

1. International Renewable Energy Agency. (2022). Global Solar Atlas. https://globalsolaratlas.info/
2. Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan. (2023). Energy Strategy of Kazakhstan until 2030. Retrieved from http://www.energy.gov.kz/
3. Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century (REN21). (2023). Renewables 2023 Global Status Report. https://www.ren21.net/gsr-2023/
4. Zhang, Q., et al. (2021). Recent Advances in Solar Photovoltaic Technologies: A Review. Solar Energy, 220, 225-244.
5. International Energy Agency. (2022). Renewables 2022 Analysis and Forecast to 2027. https://www.iea.org/reports/renewables-2022