Potential of Wind Power in Kazakhstan : Resource Potential and Environmental Improving Effect of Wind Energy Technologies in Kazakhstan

Oil, gas, coal and uranium reserves of Kazakhstan are among the biggest in the world. Therefore, energy production is based on relatively cheap fossil fuels. However, it is little known about enormous renewable energy potential of Kazakhstan. In this study, potential of wind power was assessed and power outputs for nine sites were estimated. Additionally, the environmental improving effects were estimated and the cost analysis revealed that the reduction of external cost of power generation in the amount of 22 billion Kazakhstani Tenge could be achieved as the direct substitution of thermal power. Finally, multi-criteria assessment of candidate sites was performed using objective weighting method in order to identify the possibility of successful deployment of wind power in Kazakhstan.