Kazakhstan plans to build eight new power plants and modernize 11 existing facilities by 2030 as part of a national project to expand coal-fired power generation.
The project, approved in March, aims to meet growing electricity demand and modernize the country’s energy infrastructure, strengthening the stability of the Unified Power System.
According to Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Energy, 7.8 GW of new and upgraded capacity is scheduled to be commissioned by 2030. This includes both newly constructed plants and modernisation of existing facilities .
The new construction program, with a total capacity of 5.3 GW, includes projects in several key regions. Plans include a 700 MW condensing power plant in Kurchatov; the Ekibastuz GRES-3 plant with a capacity of 2,640 MW; thermal power plants in Karaganda (350 MW) and Ekibastuz (180 MW); as well as combined heat and power plants in Zhezkazgan (500 MW), Kokshetau (240 MW), Semey (360 MW), and Ust-Kamenogorsk (360 MW).
The project also aims to improve the efficiency of existing capacity. According to ministry estimates, modernization will reduce equipment wear by 13%.
The Ministry of Energy stated that the initiative is expected to provide a reliable energy base for industrial growth, support the development of the digital economy, and facilitate the adoption of AI technologies. Coal-fired generation, if modernized and compliant with environmental standards, will continue to play a key role in ensuring the country’s energy security.
The Times of Central Asia previously reported that Kazakhstan plans to attract at least $15.5 billion in investment for the development of coal-fired power generation.
The country is expected to fully meet domestic electricity demand by 2027 and achieve a sustainable surplus by 2029, enabling it to begin exporting electricity.
At the same time, the government plans to create a “data center valley” in Pavlodar powered by coal-fired energy.
