Press release
Almaty CHP-2 ranks among the top 10% of PM 2.5 emitters worldwide
Almaty, 1 October 2025 — The Almaty Air Initiative Foundation analyzed data from the international Climate TRACE coalition, which tracks emission sources worldwide using satellites and artificial intelligence. The analysis shows that one of the three major stationary PM 2.5 emission sources in Almaty falls within the top 10% of polluters among all sources tracked globally.
By matching Climate TRACE mapping with open sources, these facilities are identified as Almaty CHP-1, CHP-2, and CHP-3. The system marks CHP-2 as a “super emitter”, given its installed capacity and the use of high-ash coal as the primary fuel. According to this study, Almaty CHP-2 emitted 94 tonnes of PM 2.5 into the atmosphere in 2024.
By matching Climate TRACE mapping with open sources, these facilities are identified as Almaty CHP-1, CHP-2, and CHP-3. The system marks CHP-2 as a “super emitter”, given its installed capacity and the use of high-ash coal as the primary fuel. According to this study, Almaty CHP-2 emitted 94 tonnes of PM 2.5 into the atmosphere in 2024.
The Climate TRACE tool clearly visualizes PM 2.5 dispersion plumes – fine particulate matter most harmful to human health. For Almaty, the website (https://climatetrace.org/air-pollution/ghs-fua_2583 ) provides modeled scenarios for both prevailing and worst-case meteorological conditions, illustrating the potential scale of exposure across residential areas.
For many years, CHP-2 and CHP-3, which burn high-ash coal, have been cited among the main contributors to elevated PM 2.5 concentrations in the city. Due to wintertime solid-fuel burning and unfavorable weather conditions, Almaty topped the IQAir real-time online ranking of the world’s most polluted large cities during certain hours last season.
The Almaty Air Initiative supports converting the city’s CHP plants to gas, which is expected to reduce emissions by 12-fold at CHP-2 and by approximately 8–9-fold at CHP-3. Beyond fuel conversion, it is essential to build a systemic program for such facilities: deploy modern filters, install automated emissions monitoring, publish data and maintain open dialogue with energy companies, and assess population exposure through independent monitoring and local datasets.
To that end, together with the Nurlan Smagulov Foundation, the Almaty Air Initiative has installed 200 air-quality sensors across Almaty and the region – their data are already available in the MyCar app and will soon be published at dashboard.air.org.kz.
For many years, CHP-2 and CHP-3, which burn high-ash coal, have been cited among the main contributors to elevated PM 2.5 concentrations in the city. Due to wintertime solid-fuel burning and unfavorable weather conditions, Almaty topped the IQAir real-time online ranking of the world’s most polluted large cities during certain hours last season.
The Almaty Air Initiative supports converting the city’s CHP plants to gas, which is expected to reduce emissions by 12-fold at CHP-2 and by approximately 8–9-fold at CHP-3. Beyond fuel conversion, it is essential to build a systemic program for such facilities: deploy modern filters, install automated emissions monitoring, publish data and maintain open dialogue with energy companies, and assess population exposure through independent monitoring and local datasets.
To that end, together with the Nurlan Smagulov Foundation, the Almaty Air Initiative has installed 200 air-quality sensors across Almaty and the region – their data are already available in the MyCar app and will soon be published at dashboard.air.org.kz.
“The interactive Climate TRACE map, powered by satellite monitoring and AI, helps us better understand emission sources in Almaty and other cities of Kazakhstan. It is an important tool for an honest conversation about the link between energy and health. Yes, the country still relies on coal, and as technology and AI advance rapidly, energy demand will keep growing. But it is precisely innovation and modernization that must become the key to reducing harm — public health is a vital part of this equation. A healthy population means a strong Kazakhstan; it is our future and our children.”
Zhuldyz Saulebekova
Executive Director,
Almaty Air Initiative
Almaty Air Initiative
By the way, Climate TRACE also provides PM 2.5 maps and sources for Bishkek: https://climatetrace.org/air-pollution/ghs-fua_1091 . Our neighbors face a similar air-pollution pattern. In Bishkek, as in Almaty, the CHP plant ranks among the top 10% “super emitters” and is one of the main PM 2.5 sources alongside coal-based heating in the residential sector. This is a shared regional challenge that calls for joint efforts and exchange of best practices.
Climate TRACE* is an international coalition that uses satellite data and AI to independently track emissions. In 2024, it introduced a PM 2.5 plume-visualization tool.
How it works:
– Technology: artificial intelligence, machine learning, and processing of data from satellites and sensors.
– Data: vast datasets from over 300 satellites, more than 11,000 air/land/sea sensors, plus other public and commercial sources.
– Output: an interactive global map of emission sources showing where and when emissions occur, with unprecedented granularity.
About the Almaty Air Initiative
A private foundation established by Arsen Tomsky and Kairat Akhmetov. Its goal is to deliver systemic improvements in Almaty’s air quality. The Foundation works within the AIR–TARGET approach: building public awareness and supporting civic discussion (Awareness), deploying technological solutions and global best practices (Infrastructure), and advancing regulatory initiatives and reforms (Regulation). To achieve these goals, it leverages TARGET tools: Tech, Art, Research, effective engagement with public authorities (Good Governance), Education, and shaping the media agenda and trends (Trends in Media).
Media contacts:
Anna Nikitenko
pr@air.org.kz
+7 777 055 19 92
Website: www.air.org.kz | Instagram: @air.org.kz
How it works:
– Technology: artificial intelligence, machine learning, and processing of data from satellites and sensors.
– Data: vast datasets from over 300 satellites, more than 11,000 air/land/sea sensors, plus other public and commercial sources.
– Output: an interactive global map of emission sources showing where and when emissions occur, with unprecedented granularity.
About the Almaty Air Initiative
A private foundation established by Arsen Tomsky and Kairat Akhmetov. Its goal is to deliver systemic improvements in Almaty’s air quality. The Foundation works within the AIR–TARGET approach: building public awareness and supporting civic discussion (Awareness), deploying technological solutions and global best practices (Infrastructure), and advancing regulatory initiatives and reforms (Regulation). To achieve these goals, it leverages TARGET tools: Tech, Art, Research, effective engagement with public authorities (Good Governance), Education, and shaping the media agenda and trends (Trends in Media).
Media contacts:
Anna Nikitenko
pr@air.org.kz
+7 777 055 19 92
Website: www.air.org.kz | Instagram: @air.org.kz