Project goal: Interconnect Zone West with the main part of the UPS of Kazakhstan over Kazakhstan inland territory to ensure energy security and energy independence of the Western regions of Kazakhstan, improve the reliability of power supply to consumers in Zone West.

Grounds: The project was launched in accordance with clause 2.41.1 of the Roadmap and the Action Plan for the implementation of instructions given by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan at the expanded meeting of the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan on January 26, 2021 (to devise a plan to strengthen interconnection between Kazakhstan's western regions and connect them to the Kazakhstan Unified Power System) and paragraph 56 of the Action Plan for the implementation of the election programme of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan “Fair Kazakhstan for everyone. Now and forever” to complete construction of a power transmission line that loops the country's energy system.

Project implementation period: 2023-2027

Project cost: KZT 201.79 billion including VAT (including costs for commissioning, historical and cultural examination, etc.)

Project financing: 30% of equity funds, 70% of borrowed funds

Project description: The project will connect Zone West with the rest of Kazakhstan's UPS over the inland territory, ensure energy security and independence of the western regions of Kazakhstan, improve the dependability of the Zone West power supply to consumers, and use local flexible generation to make up for imbalances in electricity and power in Zone North and Zone South.

Current status: In 2022, the preliminary feasibility study for the project was completed, the technical and economic feasibility of interconnection of the power system of Western Kazakhstan with the UPS of Kazakhstan was confirmed.

Based on the findings of the first stage of the feasibility study, KEGOC has chosen an option that calls for the construction of 500 kV overhead line from Karabatan substation to Ulke substation.

The feasibility study (FS) report for the project has been developed and GosExpertiza’s report has been issued (No. 01-0047/24 dated 12 February 2024).

According to corporate procedures, a decision on further implementation of the project and transition to the next stage is expected.