Tuesday 28 February 2017

Kazakhstan loaned £21.7m for heat meters in homes

Kazakhstan has received a $27 million (£21.7m) loan to install heat meters in residential buildings.

The finance from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is intended to continue supporting the nation's goal to improve its energy efficiency and sustainability credentials, known as the 'green economy' strategy.

Kazakhstan is a country of extreme temperatures - freezing winters can drop to as low as -45°C and summer heat can soar upwards of +30°C - under these conditions energy efficiency is vital.

In addition to allowing for heat and electricity savings, the new meters will also help district heating companies to optimise supply, reduce system losses and cut the amount of energy wasted.

The country is one of the most energy intensive economies in the region, with Carbon Dioxide emissions per unit of GDP reaching 0.6kg/$ - roughly three times higher than the EU average.

Heat meters are currently fitted in only about 45% of households. The new project hopes to achieve above 80% coverage within three years and ultimately aims for full coverage across the country.

EBRD Director for Kazakhstan, Janet Heckman, said: "The district heating sector has a large potential for energy savings and is one of our priority areas in Kazakhstan.

"We are already supporting upgrades and energy saving measures in co-operation with six cities around the country. Measuring the use of energy is key for saving it."