Renewable Energy Targets and Policies in Traditional Oil-Producing Countries: A Comparison of Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan

The clean energy transition has entered the policy discourse and government agenda of Caspian oil-producing countries Azerbaijan Kazakhstan. Both have set a target to increase share renewable sources (RES) in total production by 2030. This article presents comparative analysis Kazakhstan their paths low-carbon covering status RES, targets, role schemes promoting (RE) deployment. study shows that despite some commonalities initial conditions (such as Soviet-era legacies fossil-fuel-based infrastructure, high degree dependence on oil gas rents, dominance state-owned enterprises), adopted more targeted regulatory framework elaborate with regards renewables than did. In latter case, introduction relevant legislation been significantly delayed or implemented only partially. As result, performed relatively successfully advancing non-conventional targets: non-hydro accounted for 3% electricity generated made up 1% produced (as 2020). highlights following factors stand out explaining these variable outcomes: economic liberalization, quality governance sector, frameworks, support schemes.