OREANDA-NEWS. October 29, 2009. The UN Development Program in Kazakhstan and Akimat of Karaganda oblast signed the memorandum of mutual understanding with the aim to implement environmental projects related to energy efficiency in municipal heat and hot water supply (modernization of existing energy use systems, adoption of energy saving technologies at the stage of housing planning and construction) as well as cooperation in the sector of wind power development.

The document was signed by Mr. Haoliang Xu, UNDP Resident Representative and Mr.Nurlan Nigmatulin, Akim of Karaganda oblast. The signing put the basis for sustainable development of energy efficiency in municipal energy supply, energy efficiency buildings construction sector, and new forms of energy service for future replication of this experience in other cities of Kazakhstan.

The Parties will jointly work on promotion and application of energy saving technology at the stage of design and construction of housing buildings to stimulate development of energy efficient market. Moreover, the UNDP and Akimat will participate at realization of demonstration project Energy efficient housing design and construction in the housing sector” for further replication of the experience.

The Akimat is interested in the development of wind power and intended to implement projects on wind power stations construction (WPS) with the purpose of diversification of the electricity production sector as well as energy efficiency of the regional economy и reduction of the greenhouse gasses emissions in the frame of the Republic of Kazakhstan to meet it’s obligations on the Kyoto Protocol to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. UNDP project “Kazakhstan – Wind Power market development initiative” will provide expert assistance in selection of a construction site, technologies, and ways to finance WPS construction and its operation.

UNDP/GEF project “Removing the barriers to energy efficiency in municipal heat and hot water supply” aims to apply new institutional and financial mechanisms in Kazakhstan through establishment of the Energy Service Company (ESCO) with participation of private capital. The joint work to implement pilot demonstration projects on energy efficiency in the housing and municipal building sector in order to develop models with the ESCO participation is planned to take place in Karaganda city and Karaganda oblast.