The delegation of the GCF (Green Climate Fund), headed by Executive Director Mafalda Duarte, visited the Karaganda region. The International Financial Institute, in partnership with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, has invested in a program for the development of renewable energy sources in Kazakhstan. One of the largest projects is the Sarani solar power plant with a capacity of 100 MW, which has been successfully operating since 2019.

The head of GCF, together with the Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yerlan Nysanbayev, Akim of the Karaganda region Ermaganbet Bulekpayev and representatives of the EBRD visited the facility and assessed the work of the solar station.

The area of the solar park is 160 hectares, where more than 300,000 photovoltaic modules are installed. The main substation and energy storage facility are also located here. This entire complex is serviced by a team of 11 people, mostly local residents.

According to the company's management, the average annual electricity generation is 120 million kilowatt-hours.

According to the contract with the financial settlement center for renewable energy support, the capacity is fully realized and distributed in the KEGOC network.

Evgeny Grebennikov, General Director of SES Saran LLP, reported on the history of the project, its present and prospects. He noted the role of the state and local executive bodies.

– The Law on the Green Economy has become the basic document regarding the investment decision. At the start of the project, we worked closely with local executive authorities. In real time, according to the principle of an open window, we received support for all our initiatives related to the allocation of this land plot, the development of a feasibility study, and the receipt of all necessary materials," the head of the enterprise emphasized.

He added that the contract with the financial settlement center is strict and is not subject to change, which gives the investor guarantees.

The Saran Solar Power Plant is a successful example of introducing clean technologies and attracting international investment in sustainable energy.

It has an environmental impact, helping to reduce carbon dioxide emissions – CO2.

– This is my first visit to Kazakhstan. We are here because we have invested large sums together with the EBRD in pilot projects such as this station. I came to visit the facilities and see their development. I would like to discuss with the Government of Kazakhstan what priorities to set in future projects. This is the main purpose of my visit," said Ms. Mafalda Duarte. – This station is of great importance: in particular, this project accounts for 40% of the entire program. It is encouraging to see that the station is working, and we have achieved our goal.

The delegation also visited the Karaganda Technical University named after A. Saginov.

An exhibition of scientific projects in various fields, including those related to green energy, was presented here.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/karaganda/press/news/details/1002344?lang=kk