The Government of The Republic of Kazakhstan has pledged to continue investing in renewable energy regardless of the fluctuations in oil prices.

The nation currently has 48 wind, hydropower, biogas and solar plants in operation with a total capacity of 252.37MW.

Speaking at the Future Energy Forum in Astana, Energy Minister Kanat Bozumbayev said the government started to develop green energy when prices stood at $120 (£93) per barrel and would continue its efforts “even if prices fell to $20 [£15.4] per barrel”.

By the end of the decade, the country aims to commission 23 solar power plants, 20 wind farms and more than 10 hydropower facilities.

Mr Bozumbayev said: “Kazakhstan will be gradually integrating renewable energy sources into the national energy mix until 2020. From 2020 through 2030, the country will be following a more active approach. To achieve this, we have created a regulatory framework, clear indicators that will help us monitor the development of the state planning system and technical instruments to gauge the potential.”

The government also aims to increase gas production instead of investing in coal-based technologies.