Kazakhstan’s economy is experiencing a significant electricity shortage, despite the presence of 230 power plants across the country, including 156 renewable energy facilities with a combined installed capacity of over 3 GW. According to the Government of Kazakhstan, electricity production in 2024 totaled 117.9 billion kWh, while consumption reached 119.9 billion kWh.
Energy Minister Yerlan Akkenzhenov stated that a comprehensive generation development program is being implemented to cover the deficit and upgrade existing capacity. The plan aims to add more than 26 GW of new generation by 2035. Currently, projects totaling 10 GW are at various stages of development. Additionally, modernization of existing plants is expected to contribute another 5 GW.
In 2025, 621.5 MW of new capacity is scheduled to come online — 166 MW from conventional sources and 455.5 MW from renewables.
Priority is also being given to advanced clean coal technologies with near-zero emissions. This includes the construction of the 2.6 GW Ekibastuz GRES-3 and a new 600–700 MW thermal power plant in Kurchatov. These initiatives aim to gradually replace outdated coal plants and align with the national goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2060, as outlined by the President.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
July 7, 2025