Majilis of Kazakhstan adopts amendments on supporting renewable energy sourcesThe Majilis of the Parliament of Kazakhstan reviewed in two readings and adopted a law on supporting the use of renewable energy sources (RES).“When preparing the bill for the second reading, amendments were proposed to allow energy supply organizations to prioritize the purchase of electrical energy from a hydroelectric power station with a total capacity of no more than 10 megawatts,” deputy Bauyrzhan Smagulov said while presenting the document.As previously reported, the bill “On Amendments and Additions to Certain Legislative Acts on Supporting the Use of Renewable Energy Sources, Electricity and Natural Monopolies” was developed by deputies and is aimed at supporting the development of the energy industry, including the development of small-scale facilities for the use of renewable energy sources.The concept of “small-scale facility for the use of renewable energy sources” is introduced. It means wind, solar and other alternative electric power plants with a capacity of no more than 200 MW.Such low-power RES can be used for the needs of small and medium-sized businesses, peasant and farm households, as well as private and apartment buildings.The law provides for the opportunity for owners of such installations to sell excess generated electricity to the energy supply organization.To do this, the owner of a renewable energy facility does not have to register as an individual entrepreneur. The maximum price for electricity is set by the Committee for the Regulation of Natural Monopolies of the Ministry of National Economy.Authorized bodies approve rules for connecting small-scale renewable energy facilities to the general power grid, eliminating barriers. Standard contracts for the purchase and sale of electrical energy from net consumers are also being developed and approved.The draft law also provides for budgetary lending to regional electric grid companies (RECs). Today, throughout the republic, the wear and tear of technical equipment of RECs reaches 70-80%. For utility RECs, loans will be provided at a minimum interest rate for 20 years. For commercial RECs, lending is provided through the Development Bank of Kazakhstan at 7%.The law is sent to the Senate for approval. (ICE ALMATY)

Fonte notizia: INTERFAX