Chairperson
Michael McNicholas
General Counsel, Visor Group / Visor Kazakhstan
Committees
Decarbonization
The Decarbonization Committee unites companies dedicated to supporting Kazakhstan’s transition to a low-carbon economy. It provides a platform for knowledge and expertise sharing on carbon regulation, ESG standards, renewable energy, and sustainable investment.
Working Groups/Issues
| Issue | Short description | Status |
| Emissions Trading System (ETS) | Limited cross-ministry coordination, short planning horizons, and low carbon prices hinder effective implementation. The upcoming 2026–2030 allocation period requires clearer rules, stronger incentives, and development of offset and liquidity mechanisms to support meaningful emissions reduction and investment. | Ongoing |
| ESG Disclosures | With IFC support, regulators have introduced voluntary ESG disclosure and environmental & social risk management guidelines, expected to become mandatory by 2027. However, a clear methodology for Scope 1–3 emissions accounting remains undeveloped due to limited capacity and data availability. | Ongoing |
| Supply-Chain Compliance & SME Readiness | There is a need to raise awareness and build capacity among suppliers/SMEs to meet decarbonization/ESG requirements pushed by lenders and large buyers. | Watchlist |
| Methane Regulations | Kazakhstan’s methane regulation framework is rapidly developing, supported by engagement with the International Methane Hub and the use of satellite-based monitoring. Clear implementation mechanisms and industry coordination are needed to ensure effective emission tracking and reduction. | Watchlist |
| Renewables Regulation | Kazakhstan’s renewable energy system is expanding but faces challenges with grid integration, tariff stability, and auction transparency. | Watchlist |
Frequency of Meetings
- Committee Meetings – quarterly
How to Join an AmCham Committee
Participation in AmCham committees is open exclusively to AmCham Kazakhstan members.
To join a committee, please sign in to your Member Portal and submit your request directly through the platform. Once submitted, our team will review your request and confirm your participation.
Upcoming Committee Meetings
Issue Briefs and Positions
In development