Project goal: integration of the Western zone with the main part of the UPS of Kazakhstan across the territory of the country, ensuring energy security and energy independence for the western regions of Kazakhstan, enhancing the reliability of electricity supply for consumers in the Western zone, and utilizing flexible generation in the Western zone to compensate for imbalances of electricity and capacity.
Project implementation period: 2021-2027
Implementation location: Aktobe and Atyrau Regions
Project Description: Construction of the 500 kV Karabatan – Ulke OHTL with a length of 604.3 km to integrate the Western zone with the main part of the Unified Power System of Kazakhstan across the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The project will allow:
- to integrate the Western zone with the main part of the UPS of Kazakhstan with a throughput capacity of 500 MW;
- to cover the potential deficit of the Western zone through a new 500 kV connection;
- to increase the power output of power plants in the Atyrau and Aktobe regions;
- to engage flexible generation in the Western zone to compensate for imbalances of electricity and capacity in the Northern and Southern zones;
- to enhance the reliability of electricity supply in the Aktobe energy hub;
- to improve energy security and energy independence of the Western regions of Kazakhstan and enhance the reliability of electricity supply for consumers in the Western zone;
- to transition to a unified Net Interchange and payment for deviations with the Unified Energy System of Russia;
- to develop the mining and metallurgical complex through the installation of intermediate substations in the future (deposits: Pokrovskoye, Chilisay, Bogdanovskoye);
- to reduce the level of losses by increasing transmission voltage;
- to connect additional consumers.
Current status:
- A positive conclusion has been received from the RSE “GosExpertiza” on the FS of the Project.
- In September 2024, EPC contracts were signed for the development of design and estimate documentation (DED), construction and installation works, and supply of equipment.
- In 2025, positive conclusions were received from the State Expertise Public Enterprise on the DED for all facilities. Construction and installation works are underway.