This turned into a substantial problem, especially for my host family, as they lost unsaved work on their desktop computer every time we lost power.
Kazakhstan, like many countries, is in need of an updated energy infrastructure. The country's energy inefficiency and carbon footprint pose issues, not only within the country, but for the future of our planet as well. The main obstacle standing between Kazakhstan and greater use of renewable energy sources seems to be the availability and profitability of the fossil fuel sector. Currently, renewable energy cources comprise just 0.6 percent of Kazakhstan's energy resources.
In the past several years, Kazakhstan has placed greater emphasis on moving towards renewable energy sources. In 2014, the Climate Investment Funds allocated $5.8 billion in the Clean Technology Fund to develop clean technology in countries including Colombia, Egypt, Vietnam, Kazakhstan and several others. Of this fund, $1.2 million was designated for Kazakhstan's clean energy efforts of reaching its goal of increasing renewable energy sources to 3 percent of energy generation by the year 2020 and 10 percent by 2030.
This issue is currently being addressed at the World Expo 2017, held in Astana, Kazakhstan (the nation’s capital). I am here, exploring the various pavilions and displays set up by countries from around the world. It is a two-month long exhibition with a focus on future energy, and it also incorporates aspects of each country's culture and landscape. Visitors from all over the world travel to Astana to spend time at the Expo and learn about the future of clean energy.
