Development issues of Kazakhstan's energy industry were discussed at the republican council in Ekibastuz under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov. Minister of Energy Yerlan Akkenzhenov presented the participants with a comprehensive plan aimed at strengthening the country's energy security and meeting the growing demand for electricity. According to the Minister, although the Unified Energy System works steadily, the average wear and tear of the 227 stations currently in operation is 56%, which requires urgent measures in terms of consumption and the launch of new production projects. According to the results of last year, the amount of electricity production increased by 4%, however, large-scale investments are needed to cover the future demand.

"We have the task of creating a fund that will allow not only the growing demand, but also the future development of our economy and the increase of export potential. According to our plan, about 26 GW of new power plants will be introduced by 2035. This includes a comprehensive approach, such as modernization, construction of new stations of various types and development of networks," Yerlan Akkenzhenov said.

As evidence of the pace of work, the minister announced that 771 MW of new capacity will be installed in 2024. Among the well-known projects are restoration of power unit No. 1 (with a capacity of 540 MW) at Ekibastuz GRES-1, replacement of turbine No. 6 (with a capacity of 65 MW) at Atyrau CHP, replacement of boiler No. 8 at Zhezkazgan CHP (adding +43 MW to generation), as well as projects to introduce 163 MW of power from renewable energy sources (RES). In addition, 14 investment contracts have been signed, their total capacity is about 2 GW.

In the current year, it is planned to introduce 621 MW of power, and in 2026 this figure will reach 2.6 GW. Until 2029, 68 projects will be implemented, and until 2035 it is planned to modernize, reconstruct and expand stations with a capacity of 4.2 GW. In addition, international cooperation on the construction of new stations from Qatar and Russia is being strengthened.

"We understand the importance of diversification and environmental responsibility. On the way to achieving carbon neutrality by 2060, we are looking at low carbon sources. However, taking into account our coal reserves, it is inefficient to completely abandon it. New coal projects such as GRES-3 in Ekibastuz, as well as modern coal plants in Semei, Ustkemen and Kokshetau will be based on clean coal technologies that reduce the impact on the environment," the minister noted.

The implementation of these plans will not only fully satisfy the growing needs of the economy and the population for electricity, but will also strengthen Kazakhstan's energy independence and provide an opportunity for the country's further sustainable development and export potential. An important part of ensuring trust is the development of networks. At the meeting, it was said that JSC "KEGOC" has renovated more than 2,000 kilometers of electric power lines of 220-500 kV. This year, KEGOC should start construction and installation works to connect the power grids of the Western region with the PES, the work should be completed in 2027.

"The President named energy as one of the main directions of creating a self-sufficient and competitive country. This is the main factor of sustainable progress in the new world, which directly affects the widespread introduction of digitalization and artificial intelligence. From this point of view, Kazakhstan has great opportunities. However, failure to implement the planned projects on time hinders the development of the economy. Such a situation cannot be allowed. We must work actively.  Energy is already needed for many large projects," noted the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Oljas Bektenov.

The Prime Minister gave a number of tasks and paid special attention to the development of the coal-chemical industry. He instructed to actively use innovative technologies of coal processing and increase the production of high-level products.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/energo/press/news/details/964140?lang=kk