The use of geothermal energy using the example of the Zharkent geothermal water deposit

Abstract

Today, Kazakhstan, like many other countries, is actively seeking ways to adapt to global climate change, seeking to ensure sustainable economic development, social responsibility and environmental protection in the context of international cooperation. In early 2023, the «Strategy for Achieving Carbon Neutrality of the Republic of Kazakhstan until 2060» was adopted, which was the result of significant work on the implementation of the «Concept of Transition of the Republic of Kazakhstan to a Green Economy», as well as the development and implementation of state programs of industrial-innovative development and implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The main goal of the Strategy is to achieve sustainable development of Kazakhstan's economy to climate change and carbon neutrality by 2060. There will be a gradual planned reduction in the share of coal-fired generation with an increase in the share of RES and alternative energy, as well as the use of natural gas as an intermediate fuel. In the medium and long term, there is uncertainty about the availability of sufficient water resources, so a long-term vision for the development of hydropower in Kazakhstan will be formed. In this regard, there is a need to develop the production of alternative energy in our country. Among non-conventional energy sources, geothermal energy - heat generated naturally in the Earth's interior - occupies the second place, second only to solar radiation. In recent years, unique factual material on thermal waters of Cretaceous deposits has been obtained in the territory of Zharkent depression. Zharkent depression possesses a huge potential of natural thermo-mineral resources, which have not found rational economic application so far. Development of thermal waters is actual in conditions of development of production of alternative kinds of energy and at transition of the republic on rails of «green economy».