A Government meeting on April 7 chaired by Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov discussed issues of developing coal energy and implementing the National Project on Coal-Fired Power Generation.
Bektenov noted that the project provides for the commissioning of about 8 GW of additional capacity over 5 years through the construction of 8 new power plants and the modernization of 11 existing power plants.
He stressed that the coal industry and electricity generation at coal-fired power plants are backbone sectors of Kazakhstan’s fuel and energy complex, as they ensure the country’s energy security. “We rank among the world’s top 10 countries in terms of coal reserves. This is our competitive advantage that must be utilized,” Bektenov said.
He also noted that coal continues to be one of the important sources of energy in the world, including for energy-intensive industries and digital platforms. At the same time, technologies for “clean coal” with minimal environmental impact are actively developing.
“The Head of State emphasized the need to accelerate the construction of new thermal power plants. In the context of growing consumption and the accelerated development of digital assets in Kazakhstan, the planned and timely commissioning of energy facilities must be ensured. For this purpose, the National Project on Coal Generation was adopted in March. The Ministry of Energy, together with Samruk-Energo and regional akimats, must take special control over the implementation of the National Project,” Bektenov emphasized.
