Kazakhstan’s vast coal reserves could last centuries 

ASTANA, Kazakhstan (MNTV) — Kazakhstan’s coal reserves, among the largest in the world, are projected to last between two and three centuries depending on extraction rates, according to a study by the Caspian Commodity Exchange. 

The Central Asian state ranks in the global top ten for proven reserves, estimated at 25–33 billion tons, and eighth in annual production.

Citing the study, the independent Times of Central Asia reported that Kazakhstan produced 112.7 million tons of coal in 2023 and 109.8 million tons in 2024, exporting roughly a quarter of its output. At current production rates, reserves could last 300 years; higher extraction levels would shorten that to about 200 years.

Around 25 companies operate in the coal sector, with four — Bogatyr Komir LLP, Euro-Asian Energy Corporation (EEC), Shubarkol Komir JSC, and Qarmet — controlling three-quarters of production. 

Russia remains the largest export market, taking about two-thirds of shipments. Kazakhstan was also among the EU’s top five coal suppliers in 2023, holding an 8.7% market share.

Coal dominates the country’s energy mix, providing roughly half of primary energy consumption. In 2023, thermal power plants generated 77.4% of electricity, with coal-fired units producing 66% of that output. 

Coal also meets 80% of heating demand, with dependency especially high in Astana, where combined heat and power plants supply 97% of heating, compared to 56% in Almaty.

However, coal combustion accounts for about 70% of Kazakhstan’s greenhouse gas emissions, challenging the government’s pledge of carbon neutrality by 2060. While coal’s share of the energy balance is forecast to drop from 66% in 2023 to 46% in 2035, analysts say it will remain dominant in the medium term. 

Renewables are expected to grow to 24.4% of electricity generation by 2035 and 50% by 2050, aided by the recent start of construction on Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant.