Kazakhstan boosts energy sector with 2035 development plan

Kazakhstan unveils its energy strategy to 2035, focusing on renewables, grid upgrades, and nuclear power to cut coal reliance and emissions.

The Energy Ministry of Kazakhstan has approved a development plan for the energy sector up to 2035, targeting 26 GW of new capacity, according to The Astana Times. 

Kazakhstan currently operates 148 renewable energy facilities (over 100 kW) with a combined capacity of 2,903.7 MW. Plans include 66 additional projects adding 1,682.4 MW, backed by 720 billion tenge (£1.03 billion) in investments.

By year-end, eight new projects totalling 163.35 MW will launch. Major initiatives involve 1 GW wind farms in the Zhambyl and Zhetysu regions, in collaboration with firms like Total Energies, Masdar, and Unigreen Energy. A partnership with China aims to develop 1.8 GW of renewable capacity.

By 2028, a 500 kV, 604-kilometre transmission line will link Aktobe and Atyrau, balancing regional electricity demands. Ongoing projects include a 475-kilometre line in the southern zone (Shu-Zhambyl-Shymkent) and new North-South direct current lines (+/- 500 kV) to increase grid capacity by 2,000 MW. A direct current line between the western and southern zones is also under study.

Plans are progressing for a 2–2.8 GW nuclear power plant near Ulken in the Almaty Region, following an October referendum. Supplier negotiations and intergovernmental reviews are ongoing.

By 2035, integrating renewables, gas, and nuclear energy will reduce Kazakhstan's coal dependence and cut annual carbon dioxide emissions by 44 million tonnes.

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