Kazakhstan Increases Investment in Renewable Energy Sources and Digital Network Enhancement
Kazakhstan has announced a comprehensive plan to significantly increase its energy capacity by over 26 gigawatts (GW) by 2035, with a strong focus on renewable energy[1][2]. This ambitious expansion includes adding 10 GW of capacity already under development and commissioning 621.5 megawatts (MW) of new capacity in 2021 alone, of which 455.5 MW is planned from renewable sources[1][2].
Key projects within this plan include the development of renewable energy facilities, low-emission coal and thermal plants, a gas turbine facility, and grid modernization efforts.
In the renewable energy sector, Kazakhstan currently operates 156 renewable energy plants with over 3 GW total capacity, and the plan aims to significantly increase this by 2035[1]. Notable projects include the construction of the Ekibastuz GRES-3 coal plant with 2.6 GW capacity and a thermal power plant in Kurchatov with a capacity of 600–700 MW[1]. Additionally, a one-gigawatt gas turbine plant is being developed in the Turkistan Region[1].
To integrate renewable energy into the grid and improve network resilience, the national grid operator KEGOC is undertaking eight large investment projects worth approximately 2.3 trillion tenge (about US$4.4 billion)[1]. Notable projects include the construction of key transmission lines such as the 500 kV "Karabatan – Olke" and "Shu – Zhambyl – Shymkent" lines, expected to reinforce the energy network by 2027[1][5].
To complement the energy expansion, Kazakhstan plans to connect around 3,781 rural settlements to high-speed fiber-optic internet by 2027 and aims for near-universal mobile network coverage to support economic modernization alongside the energy transition[1].
Together, these projects form a multifaceted approach to modernize Kazakhstan’s energy system, significantly increase renewable capacity, and ensure reliable power supply while reducing emissions by adopting cleaner technologies in line with the national green economy goals[1][3].
In summary, Kazakhstan’s renewable energy and capacity expansion plan by 2035 involves:
| Aspect | Details | |--------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Total capacity addition | Over 26 GW by 2035 | | Renewable capacity in 2021 | 455.5 MW of new renewable capacity | | Key low-emission plants | Ekibastuz GRES-3 (2.6 GW coal plant), Kurchatov thermal power plant (600–700 MW) | | Gas turbine project | 1 GW plant in Turkistan Region | | Grid infrastructure investment | 8 major projects, 2.3 trillion tenge (~US$4.4 billion) including 500 kV transmission lines | | Digital infrastructure | 3,781 rural settlements connected with fiber by 2027, 99% mobile coverage |
This plan reflects Kazakhstan’s strong commitment to expanding renewable energy sources while reinforcing its overall energy infrastructure and supporting sustainable economic growth[1][2][5].
[1] Kazakhstan's Prime Minister's press service [2] Energy Minister Yerlan Akkenzhenov [3] National Statistics Committee of the Republic of Kazakhstan [4] Data reported by various sources [5] KEGOC, the national grid operator
The renewable energy industry in Kazakhstan is set to undergo significant financing, with plans to integrate 455.5 MW of new renewable energy capacity into the grid in 2021, backed by a total investment of approximately 2.3 trillion tenge (about US$4.4 billion). Moreover, the finance sector will play a crucial role in the development of a one-gigawatt gas turbine plant in the Turkistan Region.
