Olzhas Bektenov held a republican meeting on energy development in the territory of Ekibastuz GRES
Тихомиров Евгений March 27, 2025
During his working trip to Pavlodar region, the Prime Minister checked the execution of the President's instructions in the energy sector. In Ekibastuz, Olzhas Bektenov got acquainted with the results of the modernization of GRES-1, as well as the start of projects for the reconstruction of GRES-2 and the construction of GRES-3 station using pure coal technology. A republican meeting was also held here on the development of the industry against the background of the growing needs of the economy, the launch of new industries and active digitalization.
The total installed capacity of the facilities of the Ekibastuz power plant, which includes GRES-1 named after Bulat Nurzhanov and GRES-2, reaches 5 thousand. This makes Ekibastuz a strategically important energy generation center. In general, the Pavlodar region generates over 40% of the republic's electricity. As part of the modernization of GRES-1, power unit No. 1 with a capacity of 540 MW was restored and put into operation in December last year. In 2026-2028, it is planned to reconstruct the fuel supply system and build a new chimney. Additionally, automation of processes, emission control and emergency prevention were reported. At the republican meeting on energy development, chaired by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, key areas of the sector were considered, including the commissioning of new capacities, infrastructure modernization, issues of combining the electric networks of the Western Zone with the Unified Electric Power System of the country, improving energy efficiency, etc. Reports were made by the Ministers of Energy Yerlan Akkenzhenov, industry and construction – Yersayin Nagaspayev, the leadership of the national companies JSC "Samruk-Energy" and JSC "KEGOC", as well as akims of several regions.
There are 227 electric power stations in Kazakhstan. The average wear rate of the station's equipment reaches 56%. According to the results of last year, the volume of electricity generation increased by 4%. The introduction of new capacities is expected through the modernization of existing plants and the construction of new generating units. Energy Minister Yerlan Akkenzhenov reported that 771 MW of new capacities were commissioned last year, including Unit No. 1 at Ekibastuz GRES-1, turbine No. 6 at Atyrau TPP, boiler No. 8 at the TPP in Zhezkazgan, as well as alternative energy projects with a total capacity of 163 MW. 14 investment agreements have been signed for the modernization, expansion, reconstruction and renovation of generating plants with a total capacity of about 2 GW. 621 MW is planned to be commissioned this year, and 2.6 GW in 2026. 68 projects will be implemented by 2029 to cover the economy's electricity needs. In general, it is planned to modernize, reconstruct and expand existing plants to a total capacity of 4.2 GW by 2035.
In addition, the project for the reconstruction of the 220-500 kV overhead line of KEGOC branches of Aktobe, Western, Sarbai inter-system electric networks has been completed, as part of which the repair of the existing 24 power transmission lines with a total length of 2 thousand km, which have reached the standard service life, has been completed. It was also reported on the progress of modernization of Almaty CHPP-2 and CHPP-3.
Minister of Industry and Construction Yersayin Nagaspayev reported on the ongoing work with the country's largest enterprises to reduce energy consumption and energy intensity of the economy. A number of implemented projects have been named. Modernization of pumping equipment at the Kartsement enterprise allowed to reduce specific power consumption by 15.4%. The Kazakhstan Electrolysis Plant has carried out major repairs of electrolysis cells and insulation of electric boilers, reducing electricity consumption by 4.5%. Aktobe Copper Company has reduced electricity costs by 2% by optimizing the operation of gas piston units and adjusting the fuel mixture supply. Energy consumption in the public sector is also being monitored. As part of digitalization, the State Energy Register is being transformed into a unified information system in the field of energy conservation.
"The President called energy one of the key areas for building a self-sufficient and competitive country. This is a fundamental factor of sustainable progress in the new world, on which successful digitalization and the widespread introduction of artificial intelligence directly depend. And here, as the Head of State noted, Kazakhstan has huge opportunities.
At the same time, the late implementation of planned projects slows down the development of the economy. This is unacceptable. We need to be proactive. A number of large projects need electricity right now,
" Olzhas Bektenov emphasized. Among the important projects noted are the commissioning of modern coal-fired power plants in the cities of Semey, Ust-Kamenogorsk and Kokshetau, and the construction of a modern GRES-3 station in Ekibastuz.
Following the meeting, a number of instructions were given. This year, KEGOC needs to start construction and installation work to connect the electric networks of the Western Zone with the UES, with completion of work in 2027. This project will increase the reliability of electricity supply to consumers. The Prime Minister focused on the development of the coal chemical industry and instructed to actively use innovative coal processing technologies for the production of highly processed products.
