Atyrau region hosted the launch of new power transmission lines built to strengthen the power network of the Western zone of Kazakhstan. Alikhan Smailov, Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan, took part in the official connection ceremony via teleconference.

KEGOC constructed five 220 kV power transmission lines along the route: West Kazakhstan Energy Hub - Atyrau - Mangistau with a total length of about 780 kilometres to increase the network capacity and reliability of power supply to consumers in the Western Zone of Kazakhstan. The construction project included installation of over 4.2 thousand transmission line towers, expansion of Uralskaya, Pravoberezhnaya, Inder, Kulsary, Tengiz substations, and construction of a new Karabatan distribution substation.

As a result of the project implementation, the capacity of the power grid was significantly increased: from 100 MW to 200 MW on West Kazakhstan energy hub – Atyrau section; from 50 MW to 200 MW on Atyrau - Mangystau section. In aggregate, this doubled the reliability of the Western Zone network. 

In his speech, Alikhan Smailov noted that this strategically important project is of great importance for energy security and economic development of the Western region. 

"It will double the capacity of electric grids, as well as significantly reduce the number of cases of consumer outages in western Kazakhstan, including during emergencies at the MAEC power plant," the Prime Minister said.

Strengthening of the Western Zone power grid will also form the basis for its further interconnection with the Unified Power System of Kazakhstan. 

According to Nabi Aitzhanov, Chairman of the Management Board of KEGOC, the modern power grid equipment used during construction works is characterised by high performance. 

"The controlled shunt reactors installed at the Inder substation are a one-of-a-kind complex that stabilises voltage without switching, reduces losses, and improves the reliability of long transmission lines and distribution networks by enabling prompt control of active and reactive power flows," said Nabi Aitzhanov. 

Domestically produced metal and reinforced concrete foundations, conductors, insulators and transformers were used in construction works. The share of Kazakhstani content was about 70%.