In today's world, environmental issues, rational use of water resources, and the implementation of innovative technologies in the public utilities sector are becoming increasingly important. Kazakhstan is also responding to these trends. A striking example is the Shymkent Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) , which is now rightfully considered one of the most advanced facilities not only in Kazakhstan but also in the CIS countries.

The complex was modernized using Polish technology and now demonstrates efficiency comparable to advanced European wastewater treatment systems. Particularly noteworthy is the biogas plant, with a capacity of 4.5 million kWh per year , which runs on wastewater from the treatment plant. The facility is unique in that it is the only such plant in Central Asia.

Thanks to this innovative solution, KOS covers up to 50% of its own electricity needs and 100% of its thermal energy needs . Additional electricity is generated by natural gas generators and a small hydroelectric power plant. Together, the company achieves up to 90% of its energy independence , an unprecedented figure for the region's utilities sector.

Vodnye Resursy-Marketing, the complex's manager, became the first company in the CIS to implement Hydro Process biotechnology . This technology is aimed at reducing excess sludge and eliminating unpleasant odors, which traditionally pose a serious problem for wastewater treatment plants.

The results of the implementation are impressive:

• up to 95% of excess sludge is eliminated ;

• the unpleasant smell disappeared, which improved the environmental situation in the area;

• the need to bury sludge in sludge disposal areas has been eliminated.

Thanks to this, the company saves approximately 200 million tenge annually by reducing sludge disposal costs alone. Given the growing burden on public utilities, these results can be considered a strategic achievement.

Since 2022, the Burzharsky storage facility, which receives treated wastewater, has been using a unique solution: a chlorella strain developed by the Petropavlovsk Scientific and Technical Center for Water Research.

This microalgae performs several functions at once:

• provides additional purification and disinfection of wastewater;

• releases oxygen, helping to improve water quality;

• creates favorable conditions for the development of ichthyofauna.

To date, 80,000 juvenile fish of various species have been released into the reservoir's waters, which contributes to the restoration of biodiversity and increases the ecological value of the facility.

In addition, treated wastewater is used to irrigate industrial agricultural crops in the Ordabasy district , which helps conserve fresh water for other needs and reduces the burden on natural resources.

The economic impact of introducing chlorella is also clear: the company saves approximately 900 million tenge per year , as alternative disinfection methods—ultraviolet irradiation or reverse osmosis—would require much greater financial investment.

In addition to technological innovations, Vodnye Resursy-Marketing LLC places special emphasis on landscaping and beautification of the surrounding areas. Thousands of planted trees and shrubs create a green belt around the complex, reducing air pollution and improving the microclimate.

This is not just an investment in improvement, but a comprehensive strategy aimed at the harmonious coexistence of engineering structures and the surrounding nature.

Thanks to the implemented technologies, efficiency, and environmental friendliness of its operations, the Shymkent Wastewater Treatment Plant can now truly compete with leading European water utilities. While treatment facilities in many countries in the region face challenges with outdated capacity and a lack of funding, the Shymkent experience demonstrates that investing in innovation yields sustainable results.

The complex exemplifies how a utility can become energy-independent, environmentally safe, and cost-effective . This is especially important for Kazakhstan, where issues of rational use of water resources and environmental protection are becoming a priority of state policy.

The success story of the Shymkent Wastewater Treatment Plant demonstrates that modern technology, competent management, and environmental responsibility can transform even such a conservative sector as wastewater treatment.

Today, the enterprise not only ensures a safe and clean urban environment but also sets a new standard for the entire industry in the region. The use of biogas, Hydro Process technology, the use of chlorella, and a focus on environmental sustainability make the complex a unique facility that can serve as a model for other cities in Kazakhstan and the CIS.

Thus, it can be confidently stated that the Shymkent Wastewater Treatment Plant is already at the level of the best European water utilities , and in some respects, even surpasses them.