As part of the implementation of the instructions of the Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev given during the V meeting of the National Kurultai, the Government has approved the National Project “Development of Coal-Fired Generation.” The corresponding resolution was signed by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov.

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 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. This will make it possible to reduce the level of physical wear of core equipment in the sector by 12.6% by 2030.

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.

As part of the implementation of the instructions of the Head of State, 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.

The social component of the project is aimed at strengthening the sector’s human resources potential. It provides for the creation of new jobs, including around 4.5 thousand permanent positions, as well as the introduction of social support measures. In cooperation with Otbasy Bank, preferential mortgage programs will be introduced for employees of coal-fired power plants. In addition, systematic training and advanced qualification programs for specialists are envisaged on the basis of профильных universities.

For the sustainable operation of the upgraded energy system, the project is synchronized with the mining and transport sectors. By 2030, additional demand for thermal coal will amount to approximately 20 million tonnes per year. To meet this demand, the National Project provides for the expansion of the fleet of gondola railcars (an additional 600 units per day), modernization of railway infrastructure and the introduction of predictable tariff corridors for fuel transportation for domestic needs.

As a result, the implementation of the National Project will enable Kazakhstan to strengthen its energy sovereignty and create a multiplier effect for domestic mechanical engineering, stimulating the production of boilers, transformers and automation systems within the country. Thus, coal-fired generation will be transformed into a high-tech and environmentally responsible sector, providing a foundation for long-term economic growth.

#CHPP #Energy #Government Resolutions

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