KEGOC reports accelerated progress in the implementation of the strategic West Kazakhstan Power System Interconnection Project. The project has entered an active phase, characterised by a steady increase in the volume of construction and installation works and the large-scale mobilisation of resources.

The key facilities of the project are the 220 kV Karabatan switching station, the 500 kV Ulke substation, and the 500 kV Ulke–Karabatan overhead transmission line. Their commissioning will ensure the formation of a reliable transit corridor between the Western Zone and the main part of Kazakhstan's power system.

At the Karabatan switching station, the delivery of primary 500 kV power equipment has been secured, including autotransformers, SF6 circuit breakers, disconnectors, and reactors. The autotransformers were manufactured at the Kazakhstani manufacturer, Asia Trafo, underscoring the contribution of domestic industry to the implementation of this large-scale infrastructure project. In parallel, work is underway on the installation of equipment foundations, the construction of the operations control centre, and the installation of external fencing elements.

At the 500 kV Ulke substation, site levelling for the outdoor switchgear has been completed, ensuring the site is ready for the subsequent installation of high-voltage equipment. The design and estimate documentation for these facilities is currently undergoing state expert review. 

The construction of the 500 kV Ulke–Karabatan overhead transmission line has moved into the stage of practical implementation. Along the line route, 1,181 tower foundations have been delivered, 860 of which have already been installed. 91 sets of steel towers have been delivered, and 37 towers have been assembled. Works are organised simultaneously across several sections, allowing for the maintenance of steady construction rates.

The project to integrate Western Kazakhstan's power grid with the country's unified power system (UPS) is of systemic importance to the national power industry. Its implementation will enable the transmission of up to 500 MW of power, cover the prospective electricity deficit in the region, increase the output of power plants in the Atyrau and Aktobe regions, enhance the reliability of the Aktobe power hub, and create the conditions for connecting new consumers and investment projects.