Shymkent's wastewater treatment plant is an example of environmental innovation and energy efficiency.
30.09.2025 23:32:23 372.png)
The Shymkent Wastewater Treatment Plant (SWP) is rightfully considered one of the most modern not only in Kazakhstan but also in the entire CIS. It was completely modernized using cutting-edge Polish technology, bringing the water treatment system to a new level of quality and environmental safety. Today, SWP is a high-tech facility that ensures efficient wastewater treatment, efficient energy use, and environmental stewardship.
The complex's key feature is its only biogas plant in Central Asia , with a capacity of 4.5 million kW per year . It covers up to 50% of its electricity needs and 100% of its thermal energy needs . Additional energy is provided by gas generators and a mini-hydroelectric power plant. Overall, thanks to its own electricity generation, the complex is nearly 90% self-sufficient in energy, an outstanding result for a utility company.
This autonomy makes the Shymkent wastewater treatment plant an example of not only environmental but also economic success. With energy prices rising, the use of renewable energy has become a strategically important step toward sustainable development.
The company "Su Resources - Marketing" (LLP "Water Resources - Marketing") was the first in the CIS to introduce the innovative biotechnology "Hydro Process" , aimed at reducing excess sludge and eliminating unpleasant odors.
Previously, wastewater was removed and buried in special landfills, which required significant financial and land resources. Now, biological technology allows organic waste to be processed naturally, using specialized microorganisms.
The results are impressive: up to 95% of excess sludge is eliminated , unpleasant odors have completely disappeared, and the need for sludge treatment beds has been eliminated. Furthermore, thanks to the implementation of this technology, the company saves approximately 200 million tenge annually.
Hydro Process has proven its effectiveness not only financially but also environmentally. It makes the water purification process environmentally friendly, eliminating the use of chemical reagents. Thus, Shymkent has become the first city in the region to use clean biological methods for wastewater treatment .
Since 2022, treated wastewater has been sent to the Börzhar Reservoir , where a unique strain of chlorella developed by the Petropavlovsk Scientific and Technical Center is used for additional biological treatment.
Chlorella is a microalgae that not only purifies water of residual pollutants but also oxygenates it. This creates favorable conditions for the development of aquatic organisms and restores the natural balance of the ecosystem.
The use of chlorella allowed for biological disinfection of the water without the use of chemicals. Around 80,000 juvenile fish of various species were released into the reservoir, promoting the development of ichthyofauna and strengthening the region's natural ecosystem.
In addition to its environmental benefits, the technology also provides significant savings—approximately 900 million tenge per year . This is because traditional disinfection methods, such as ultraviolet irradiation or reverse osmosis, require expensive equipment and ongoing maintenance costs.
Using chlorella, on the other hand, is a natural and cost-effective solution: the algae reproduce on their own and continuously purify the water without harming the environment.
One of the strengths of the Shymkent wastewater treatment plant is its intelligent use of alternative energy sources . A biogas plant, hydroelectric power station, and energy-saving technologies allow the facility not only to be energy independent but also to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
All equipment is controlled by automated monitoring systems that monitor water quality, the efficiency of biological processes, and energy consumption. This complies with international ISO environmental standards and contributes to increased reliability and transparency of the plant's operations.
Su Resurstary – Marketing doesn't limit itself to technical innovations; the company actively fosters environmental awareness among its employees and the public. Every year, the company organizes greening campaigns, planting thousands of trees and shrubs on its premises and throughout the city.
Green spaces reduce dust and carbon dioxide levels, increase air humidity, and make the industrial zone more environmentally friendly. Furthermore, the company regularly conducts environmental training sessions aimed at increasing employee responsibility for environmental protection.
Thanks to these efforts, Shymkent is becoming an increasingly cleaner and more comfortable city to live in. Today, wastewater treatment plants play not only a technological but also an educational role , shaping residents' understanding of the importance of rational use of natural resources.
The technologies used—a biogas plant, biological digestion, and the use of chlorella—make the Shymkent wastewater treatment plant a model of sustainable development and environmental thinking . Each of these systems operates in harmony with nature, converting waste into energy and wastewater into a reusable resource.
Thanks to this, purified water from the TNK is used in the Ordabasy district for irrigating agricultural crops , which reduces the load on freshwater sources and helps farmers during the dry season.
Thus, the project not only solves environmental problems, but also contributes to the development of the region’s economy by ensuring the rational use of water and energy.
The Shymkent wastewater treatment plant complex is a shining example of how modern technologies can benefit both people and nature. The facility has proven that innovation and environmental protection can go hand in hand , creating a sustainable and efficient resource management model.
The introduction of biogas and biotechnological solutions has significantly reduced costs, reduced harmful emissions, and improved the quality of life of the population.
Today, Su Resources Marketing is not just a public utility, but a center for environmental innovation that sets new standards for the entire water treatment industry in Kazakhstan and the CIS.
Shymkent's wastewater treatment facilities are deservedly considered the pride of the country , an example of the prudent use of natural resources, and a true pillar of support for a sustainable, green future.