In 2024, 58.3 billion tenge was allocated for energy sector projects.

Astana. December 19. KAZAKHSTAN TODAY - In 2024, as part of the budget program of the Ministry of Energy "Development of Heat and Power Engineering," 58.3 billion tenge has been allocated from the republican budget for the implementation of 14 projects. One of the projects, a 110/10 kV substation in the Akzhayyk area of Uralsk, has already been put into operation. This was reported by the press service of the government of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Additionally, the annual limit for returnable investments was increased from 32 billion tenge to 428 billion tenge. This has allowed for an expansion of the pool of projects aimed at the modernization, expansion, and reconstruction of the main equipment for existing energy-producing organizations," the government noted.

Currently, there are 22 investment agreements with a total capacity of 2.8 GW, of which 13 agreements with a total capacity of 1.36 GW were concluded after the limit increase.

In November 2023, the project "Strengthening the Electric Network of the Western Zone of Kazakhstan's Unified Energy System" was implemented, which included the construction of a 220 kV power line spanning 780 km from the Western Kazakhstan energy hub to Atyrau and Mangistau. This initiative aims to enhance the capacity and reliability of the power supply.

As the next step, a project to connect the electric grids of the western zone with the unified energy system will be implemented by the end of 2028. This will involve constructing a 500 kV power line that is 604 km long, linking the Aktobe and Atyrau regions. This will facilitate the use of maneuverable gas power sources in the western zone to compensate for electricity and power imbalances between the northern and southern zones. Currently, project documentation is being developed, and construction work is set to begin in 2025," the government stated.

According to the press service, ensuring the reliability of power supply to consumers in the southern regions and reducing the risks of emergency disruptions related to the operating regimes of the energy systems in Central Asian countries requires strengthening the electrical networks in the southern zone (Shu - Zhambyl - Shymkent). At present, JSC "KEGOC" has commenced the implementation of this project, the first phase of which will be completed by 2027, during which a 500 kV overhead line 475 km long will be constructed along the Shu - Zhambyl - Shymkent route. The design documentation is currently being developed.

To further enhance connectivity between the northern and southern regions of the country and to increase transit potential, the construction of direct current lines between North and South with a voltage of +/- 500 kV is planned. The capacity will increase by 2000 MW.

The feasibility of constructing a direct current line connecting the western and southern zones of the country is being studied, which would allow for the ring connection of the entire unified energy system of Kazakhstan.

The implementation of these projects will ensure stable and reliable electricity supply and contribute to the development of Kazakhstan's energy infrastructure, providing long-term energy security," the government reported.

It is noted that as of today, the unified energy system of Kazakhstan is functioning normally. As of January 1, 2024, the total available capacity amounted to 20.4 GW with an operating capacity of 15.4 GW. The maximum consumption level in the current heating season reached 16.6 GW, while the maximum generation was 15.1 GW.

Kazakhstan operates 222 electrical stations, of which 148 are renewable energy facilities with a total capacity of 2.9 GW.