Almaty Unveils 'Green Innovation Hub' Plan by 2037
Almaty, Kazakhstan's largest city, has unveiled an ambitious action plan aiming to transform it into Central Asia's 'Green Innovation Hub' by 2037. The plan, published in 2022, includes short-term measures to be completed by 2027 and long-term strategies for the following decade. Key objectives include improving air quality, future-proofing the city, and developing green and smart infrastructure.
The city will test the concept of the '15-minute city' by 2024, ensuring all residents can access basic needs within a 15-minute walk or bike ride. This is part of a broader effort to expand climate-friendly public transport and pedestrian and cycling paths, reducing air pollution. Additionally, the largest coal power plant, Almaty-CHP-2, will be converted from coal to gas, a project financed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) under its Green Cities program, which Almaty joined in 2019.
The action plan addresses water scarcity by creating water-absorbing green spaces, storage, and retention basins. It also aims to improve air quality through the conversion of heating plants like Almaty-TEZ-2 to gas, with the operating company signing loan agreements for this purpose. The plan is set to transform Almaty through four key factors: improving air quality, future-proofing, developing into a green and smart city, and connecting remote outskirts.
By 2037, Almaty aims to be Central Asia's 'Green Innovation Hub', with a cleaner environment, efficient use of resources, and improved quality of life for its residents. The action plan, with its 30 short-term measures and long-term strategies, is set to transform the city sustainably and adapt it to climate change.
