Kazakhstan's Journey to a Greener Future: Coal Mining Sector's SLCP Mitigation (2025)

Imagine a world where the coal that fuels our economies also chokes the planet with invisible threats – that's the urgent challenge Kazakhstan is boldly confronting through a groundbreaking initiative to curb Short-Lived Climate Pollutants (SLCPs) in its coal mining industry. For those new to the topic, SLCPs are potent greenhouse gases like methane that stick around for a shorter time than carbon dioxide but pack a punch in warming the Earth and harming air quality. This project isn't just about cleaner air; it's a lifeline for public health, economic gains, and a step toward global climate pledges. But here's where it gets controversial – is coal mining's future tied to reform, or is it time to pivot to renewables entirely? Stick around to discover the details of this ambitious effort, and you might just rethink what's possible in environmental action.

Overview

This initiative stems from a direct appeal by Kazakhstan's Government, channeled through the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources (MENR), aiming to bolster the nation's ability to tackle Short-Lived Climate Pollutants (SLCPs) in the coal mining sector. It entails crafting a dedicated SLCP mitigation strategy alongside a more robust system for monitoring, reporting, and verifying (MRV) emissions. Drawing inspiration from Kazakhstan's existing commitments, such as the Global Methane Pledge and its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), the project enhances air quality control and greenhouse gas (GHG) tracking to align with broader environmental goals.

At its heart, the project involves thorough evaluations of SLCP emissions within coal mining to refine current inventories, devise customized reduction tactics, and propose actionable policy and regulatory reforms for officials. Additionally, it includes hands-on capacity-building efforts, such as specialized workshops and training programs, to empower institutions and experts with skills in SLCP oversight, documentation, and minimization techniques. To put this in perspective, think of it like upgrading a car's engine for better fuel efficiency – but here, the 'engine' is an entire industry, and the payoff includes fewer smoggy days and healthier communities.

Kazakhstan has long managed methane and SLCP emissions through overarching GHG and environmental regulations, yet this targeted project introduces a specialized sub-strategy for coal mining. This represents a pivotal advancement in meeting national climate objectives, elevating air purity, and unlocking benefits like improved health outcomes and financial savings from less pollution. And this is the part most people miss – by focusing on SLCPs, Kazakhstan could set a global example, proving that even fossil fuel-dependent nations can innovate without abandoning their energy backbone. What if this sparks a debate on whether such mitigation is a band-aid or a real cure for climate woes?

Who to Involve

Key players in this collaborative venture include:

The Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan (MENR), serving as the central coordinator.
JSC Zhasyl Damu, an MENR subsidiary that oversees the Emission Trading System, acts as the delivery agent for GHG inventories, and supports NDC formulation.
Nazarbayev University (or another academic institution selected by a technical partner), bringing research expertise.
The Ministry of Energy, ensuring energy sector alignment.
Additional government ministries, affiliated bodies, industry groups, and civil society organizations across Kazakhstan, fostering diverse input.
International collaborators engaged in related activities, such as the Clean Air Task Force (CATF) and Carbon Limits, for global insights and synergy.

This broad coalition ensures that voices from all corners – from policymakers to everyday advocates – shape a solution that's inclusive and effective. But here's where it gets controversial: Should private coal companies have a louder say in these discussions, or does prioritizing environmental groups risk overlooking economic realities? It's a balancing act that could redefine industry accountability.

Expected Results

The project outlines three main achievements, each designed to drive tangible progress by the conclusion of the effort or shortly thereafter.

Outcome 1:

Outputs:

3.1 Assist in crafting and confirming the SLCP mitigation sub-strategy by supplying local data, context, and feedback from stakeholders.
3.2 Host dialogue sessions and brainstorming workshops with domestic entities, such as MENR, the Ministry of Energy, JSC Zhasyl Damu, and universities, to endorse findings and suggestions.
3.3 Promote widespread sharing of results, including translations, customizations, and communications tailored for integration into national laws.

These outcomes promise not just progress but a blueprint for sustainable mining. And this is the part most people miss – integrating SLCPs into regulations could inspire similar shifts worldwide, but does it go far enough to challenge the coal industry's dominance?

Application Process

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for review, submissions must satisfy these conditions:

Fully completed and turned in by the cutoff date.
Originating from a non-governmental organization (NGO), intergovernmental organization (IGO), or another non-profit group.
Funding request aligns with the projected budget or provides a solid rationale for extras.
Project span under 24 months.
Adheres to budget guidelines and expense limits.
Entities must furnish their most recent three audited financial reports for CCAC funding eligibility, either with the application or upon Secretariat request.

Profit-seeking organizations can join as partners, co-investors, or beneficiaries. Proponents are urged to involve them in proposal design or execution if their expertise is crucial for success – think of it as teaming up a tech startup with a coal firm to innovate emission tech.

How to Apply

Qualified candidates should submit via the Application Form (https://chloe.insightly.services/hf/XYJVJO) and Excel Budget Form (https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchloe.insightly.services%2Fhf%2FYOTG4M&data=05%7C02%7Ctara.jayaram%40un.org%7C2484ed9ec1534f807b7008ddb983c5c3%7C0f9e35db544f4f60bdcc5ea416e6dc70%7C0%7C0%7C638870697788126532%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=X3mUUU9GP5PJNVZr9U%2BQy0lPthaKul8WQEH8j877CPE%3D&reserved=0). Detailed guidance for filling them out is embedded in the documents.

You can stick to the suggested cost range or suggest an alternative with clear backing, but remember, efficiency in spending will weigh heavily in decisions.

Send the finished Application Form and Excel Budget Form to secretariat [at] ccacoalition.org (https://www.ccacoalition.org/calls-for-proposals/2025-calls-proposals-projects-advance-national-policy-and-mitigation-actions/secretariat@ccacoalition.org).

Evaluation Criteria

Submissions will be assessed based on:

A defined roadmap to hit the target achievements within the project's timeframe or immediately following.
Strategies for expanding, replicating, or sustaining outcomes long-term.
A solid method to drive SLCP emission cuts and their associated advantages.
Engagement of pertinent parties.
A grounded grasp of potential challenges.
Alignment with complementary efforts, funds, and policies.
Demonstrated aptitude and background of the applicant.
A practical, economical, and well-reasoned budget and method.
Fulfillment of the baseline OECD DAC gender equality marker Score 1.

Selection Process

An initial screening of timely submissions by CCAC Secretariat, Funding Task Team, and Board members, with input from CCAC Partners.
Finalists will present deeper details and address additional queries.
Winners will collaborate with the CCAC Secretariat and Partners to create a Project Implementation Plan and Detailed Budget.
The entire selection could span up to 6 months post-deadline; due to volume, updates won't be provided.

Due Diligence and Procurement

Due Diligence

CCAC partners with UNEP agreements must satisfy:

Sufficient funds to fulfill contracts and obligations (solid financial standing).
Proof of registration, non-profit status, and audited finances from the past three fiscal years.
A history of positive performance with UNEP/CCAC, if relevant; and absence of suspension or barring by UNEP/CCAC or other UN bodies. UNEP/CCAC deems entities on Security Council Resolution Lists (https://www.ccacoalition.org/calls-for-proposals/2024-calls-proposals-projects-advance-national-policy-and-mitigation-actions/Security%20Council%20Resolution%20Lists%20) ineligible. Intergovernmental entities and the United Nations are exempted.

Contract Requirements

Chosen projects will be managed via United Nations contracts. Selected implementers must comply with due diligence and procurement standards.

Procurement

Generally, Implementation Agreements permit only minor procurement activities.

As we wrap up this deep dive into Kazakhstan's SLCP mitigation journey, it's clear this project could be a game-changer for coal-dependent regions everywhere. But here's the controversial twist: While targeting SLCPs might yield quick wins, some argue it distracts from phasing out coal altogether – is this progress or procrastination? What do you think – should nations like Kazakhstan invest in coal reforms, or is it time to accelerate toward green energy? Do you agree that stakeholder inclusion is key, or does it slow down urgent action? Share your opinions, agreements, or disagreements in the comments below – let's discuss and learn together!