Peaceful atom and dirty coal…

[11:59] 09/10/2007, Boris Antsipherov
http://engArticles.gazeta.kz/art.asp?aid=97128

… of Kazakhstani energy equally are not in favor of European deputy.

Global warming problem is one of the topics that represent the basis which has perspectives for closer cooperation between the European Union, Kazakhstan and other countries of Central Asia, stated during his visit to our republic the member of the European Parliament (MEP) Cem Ozdemir.

It was his first visit to Kazakhstan and the region in the frames of recently adopted EU Strategy on Central Asia as the European Parliament (EP) reporter.

The fact that Europe definitely pays a lot of attention to ecologic part of cooperation with Kazakhstan could be proven by the fact that reporter's function was given to Cem Ozdemir who represents the coalition of Greens in the EP.

It may seem that afterwards the recent scandals around foreign investors in oil and gas extracting sector of the country, Astana and Almaty could be visited by someone from other party, but not. However the energy theme sounded in close connection with ecologic during the talks and speeches done by Cem Ozdemir in Kazakhstan.

- Having impressive economic growth one should not forget about natural environment protection. It is also important to work for energy saving and look for alternative energy sources. Kazakhstan expressed its devotion to Kioto protocol. It is important that we all do everything we could do to safe energy. We have already talked about it with the minister of natural environment protection. It is necessary to adopt a corresponding law which could provide sustainable natural environment protection activities. It is very important for Kazakhstan's future, - mentioned the deputy during one of the meetings.

There is no common system of view on ecologic problems and its connection to energy among the European deputies. For instance, there is a memorandum on common understanding signed by Kazakhstan and the EU in Brussels and about peaceful atom development. However Cem Ozdemir says "peaceful atom" only in connection with a phrase "so-called".

European Greens do not see this energy as safe and atomic technologies as developed enough. Although he himself reminded that European countries have different opinions related to atomic energy. But right away turned back to what he should say stating that the EU largest economic, the German, "recently decided not to lean on atomic energy anymore".

But, as known, coal energy is not in favor of Germany or other EU countries. Kazakhstan is the other way around and connects all industrial plans and energy development perspectives, in the whole, to coal burning stations. The reason is banal and based on economics: Ekibastuz coal fields coal is cheap and has good energy characteristics.

Besides, Kazakhstan is one of the world leaders according to hydrocarbon emissions to atmosphere per 1 GPD unit. And if industrial plans of the country based on collieries are realized, Kazakhstan will go even ahead according to this figure. What should do the country which does not have similar financial resources to invest in "clean" energy technologies which Germany has?

Cem Ozdemir demonstrated enough sound mind for the situation without affirming that Kazakhstan should distract itself from coal energy although he noticed there is an anxiety connected to its hydrocarbon emissions. He sees the decision in the following:

- Government should well think on heating and power plant modernization to lessen the emissions. It will give a healthy future.

In ideal and in perspective the republic should orient itself for alternative energy sources development, the European Green thinks. Even more, he continued, Kazakhstan is richer then Germany if talk on renewed energy sources - wind, solar, geothermal energy.

- One of the reasons why your country should as soon as possible ratify the Kioto protocol is an option for Kazakhstan which this international document gives, afterwards take part in hydrocarbon emissions quotes trade. And one should remember about something more important - energy safety and energy safety technologies. We would like to see more cooperation. The European Commission has done great job in this direction, but we could do a lot more, - noticed Cem Ozdemir.

Thus, Europe softly but emphatically reminds Kazakhstan about the necessity to solve pointed problems as well as perspective energy and ecology questions. Of course, European motivations are different: it is ecology itself, climate change fight, a wish to help modernizing our energy system. But the main reason is clear: as more our country be modern using alternative energy sources as more oil and gas Kazakhstan could sale on external market. Including European.

Picture by http://www.arcaajans.com