On July 2, 2018, the forum of the silk road countries’ mayors “Global Silk Road” was opened in Astana
Liquefied natural gas (methane) as the main driver of reducing the negative impact on the environment of the northern regions of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
On July 2, 2018, the forum of the silk road countries’ mayors “Global Silk Road” was opened in Astana. The project of this scale is held in the capital of Kazakhstan for the first time and is dedicated to celebration of the 20th anniversary of Astana and the 5th anniversary of the Initiative “One belt, One road”.
“Global Silk Road” is a practical platform that unites more than 2000 delegates from 60 countries, 30 political leaders, 200 representatives of major Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the world transnational companies, as well as more than 150 foreign speakers and moderators. The key topics of the Forum were formation of new quality regions, implementation of various projects and initiatives in such areas as transport and logistics, innovation and technology, renewable energy.
At the plenary session “Global Silk Road”, the Governor of Astana city, Mr. A. O. Isekeshev, in his speech talked about the global transition and concentration on reinforcement of the cities, urbanization of cities and development of large cities. It is expected that by 2050, about 70% of population of Kazakhstan will be concentrated in the cities, and therefore the State implements the strategy of development of the cities and regions, including the task on transformation of Astana. According to the Governor, in the capital, within “100 concrete steps” program, work is being carried out to create a quality infrastructure through transition to a resource-saving model, which is designed to provide a phased conversion to clean fuel sources and resource-saving technologies in construction, operation of existing buildings, public transport and utilities.
In the framework of achieving sustainable development, in the first part of the forum, panel session “Stability of the city's advanced environmental technology and environmental sustainability” was held; it was attended by the Advisor to the General Director of “Global Gas Group” LLP, Alexander Tsygankov, who presented his report. Noting that Kazakhstan is ranked 17th in the world in terms of air emissions, in his speech Alexander Olegovich made a brief overview of the main popular fuels used in Kazakhstan for power supply of boilers, transport and heat supply of industrial and residential facilities with low environmental and economic effect, releasing a lot of toxic substances into the atmosphere.
In order to solve environmental and economic problems in the cities and regions as a whole, Alexander Tsygankov said about the importance of the country's transition to an alternative clean and efficient source - liquified natural gas (LNG, methane).
In this regard, until 2030, “Global Gas Group” plans to introduce liquefied natural gas in certain industries of Kazakhstan, replacing environmentally unfavorable energy resources. “LNG will become the main driver of reducing the negative impact on the ecology of the northern regions,"- said Alexander Olegovich.
During the discussion, the Nobel laureate Rae Kwon Chung also expressed his opinion about creation of ECO-cities. The scientist noted the global climate change, which will significantly affect the urban infrastructure, which in the future will hit the economy of cities. To avoid a lot of damage, the Government must adjust the country's policy to develop low-carbon innovation, actively develop alternative energy sources such as wind and sun, invest in the future, in an innovative economy based on innovation without oil.
At the same time, the expert noted the Concept of Kazakhstan on transition to a “green economy”, where an ambitious goal is set: by 2020, to produce 3% of all country electricity with the help of alternative and renewable energy sources.
Following the Forum, the ceremony of signing memorandum on cooperation between the International Center for Green Technologies and Investment Projects and “Science Fund” JSC, Autonomous Cluster Fund TechGarden and CleantechLatvia was held.