A meeting of energy-sector representatives was held in Astana with the participation of the Business Wing of the AMANAT Party, at which key issues in the development of the electric power industry were considered — ranging from tariff policy to the delivery of major infrastructure projects and the staffing of the sector.

The event was attended by the Chairman of the Mazhilis of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan and Chairman of the AMANAT Party, Mr Yerlan Koshanov; the Minister of Energy, Mr Yerlan Akkenzhenov; the Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, Mr Yerlan Nysanbayev; members of parliament; and representatives of industry associations and energy companies.

KEGOC JSC was represented at the meeting by the Chairman of the Management Board, Mr Nabi Aitzhanov.

The discussion noted that Kazakhstan is undertaking a transition to the systematic modernisation of its energy sector, including improvements to tariff policy, the commissioning of new generating capacity, and the development of grid infrastructure.

Particular attention was given to maintaining a balance between the investment appeal of the sector and the social fairness of tariffs.

As the system operator of the Unified Power System of Kazakhstan, KEGOC JSC ensures the reliable operation of the National Electric Grid and provides centralised dispatch control of the power system.

The Company is currently delivering a number of strategic projects aimed at enhancing the reliability of power supply and developing infrastructure:

Reinforcement of the electric grid in the Southern Zone of the Unified Power System of Kazakhstan

The project will increase the transmission capacity of the North–South transit and reduce the southern regions’ dependence on external electricity supplies.

Integration of the Western Zone into the Unified Power System of Kazakhstan

The project provides for the construction of the Karabatan–Ölke transmission line, more than 600 km long, and the modernisation of substations, which will enable the integration of the power system of the western region into the country’s unified grid.

Reinforcement of the power supply to Astana

The construction of a second power feed centre for the capital will allow growing demand to be met and will enhance the reliability of power supply to the city.

Development of the North–South transit

The delivery of projects to increase grid transmission capacity will safeguard the resilience of the power system in the face of growing loads and the development of renewable energy sources.

Legislative initiatives aimed at introducing new mechanisms for financing the construction of grid infrastructure were also discussed at the meeting.

These include the introduction of market-based instruments through the capacity market, the holding of auctions, and the conclusion of investment agreements, which will accelerate project delivery and attract long-term investment into the sector.

These measures are expected to ensure the timely delivery of the projects required to accommodate more than 26 GW of new generating capacity.

Consolidating sector-wide efforts

Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their readiness for further cooperation in addressing the key challenges facing the energy sector, including the renewal of infrastructure, the reduction of asset wear, the development of human-resource potential, and the strengthening of the resilience of the power system.

KEGOC JSC will continue to deliver the strategic projects aimed at ensuring the reliable and stable operation of the Unified Power System of Kazakhstan.