The Government of Kazakhstan has approved the National Project “Development of Coal-Fired Generation.”
The document defines Kazakhstan’s energy security strategy until 2030 and is aimed at eliminating the deficit of baseload capacities, demand for which is growing significantly amid industrialization and the development of the digital economy. The growth of the IT sector, the establishment of data centers and the introduction of artificial intelligence require a stable baseload, which cannot be ensured solely by renewable energy sources.
The National Project provides for the commissioning and modernization of 7.8 GW of generating capacity. The construction of eight new energy facilities is planned, including major projects in Ekibastuz (2,640 MW), Kurchatov (700 MW) and Zhezkazgan (500 MW), as well as the construction of modern combined heat and power plants in Kokshetau, Semey and Ust-Kamenogorsk. At the same time, large-scale modernization of 11 existing power plants will begin, including Aksu GRES, Ekibastuz GRES-2 and the Karaganda energy hub.
The implementation of the projects will be financed through extra-budgetary funds by attracting investments. The total volume of investments will amount to no less than 7.5 trillion tenge.
Particular attention in the National Project is given to environmental aspects and the introduction of clean coal technologies. All new construction will be carried out exclusively using modern technological solutions, ensuring efficiency levels above standard benchmarks and significantly reducing specific emissions. The projects provide for the installation of high-tech electrostatic precipitators, systems for catalytic reduction of nitrogen oxides and wet flue gas desulfurization. These measures will make it possible to reduce emission concentrations in line with international standards and best available techniques (BAT) requirements.
