Eastern Kazakhstan Invests in Five New Hydropower Plants by 2030

Eastern Kazakhstan plans to construct five hydropower plants with a total capacity of 74.3 MW, consolidating its position as a national leader in hydropower despite challenges related to land allocation.

Partagez:

The eastern region of Kazakhstan, already a leader in national hydropower production, is advancing its energy infrastructure with an ambitious program to construct five new hydropower plants. These projects, scheduled for completion by 2030, aim to diversify energy sources and strengthen the region’s energy security.

The program includes a 1.4 MW plant in Katon-Karagay, slated for 2027, and a 50 MW facility on the Bukhtarma River in the Altai district by 2029. Two additional plants, with respective capacities of 4.5 MW and 2.4 MW, will be constructed in the Zaisan district. Finally, a 16 MW plant will be built in the Markakol district, with commissioning planned for 2030.

A Strategic Region for Hydropower

Eastern Kazakhstan stands out as a key area for hydropower production due to its extensive river networks and high hydrological potential. Currently, the region operates seven hydropower plants, which collectively generated 7.6 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) in 2024, including 243.5 million kWh from renewable sources.

The region’s hydropower potential remains largely untapped. Studies estimate that up to 95 small hydropower plants with a combined capacity of 2 gigawatts (GW) could be developed in the area. These opportunities have garnered interest from both local and international investors.

Challenges and Measures to Overcome Obstacles

Despite the promising outlook, challenges persist, particularly regarding land availability. Most planned sites are located in protected forest zones, requiring specific coordination with environmental authorities.

According to Nurlan Ramazanov, head of the region’s Energy and Housing Utilities Department, these constraints have slowed approval processes. However, measures are being implemented to expedite issue resolution.

At the same time, authorities are working to balance energy development with river ecosystem preservation. New installations will incorporate technologies designed to minimize environmental impacts.

Growing Support from Investors

Kazakhstan’s hydropower initiatives are attracting increasing interest from international partners. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) recently signed a strategic agreement to develop projects totaling 600 MW across the country. In another region, the Italian company NatPower secured a contract to build a 33 MW hydropower plant with an investment of €40 million.

Eastern Kazakhstan hopes to capitalize on this growing interest to strengthen its hydropower capacity, which is viewed as a reliable and flexible alternative to intermittent energy sources like solar and wind.

Port-au-Prince is without electricity after residents of Mirebalais forcibly shut down a hydroelectric plant protesting government inaction amid escalating gang-related violence.
Globeleq acquires a majority stake in Lunsemfwa Hydro Power Company, marking its entry into the Zambian energy market with two hydropower plants and a solar project.
The Asian Development Bank provides nearly a million dollars for improving Kyrgyzstan's energy system and considers an additional $150 million for the strategic Kambarata-1 hydroelectric dam.
Ukraine’s national operator Ukrhydroenergo announces an ambitious two-phase reconstruction plan to swiftly restore the Kakhovka hydroelectric dam, destroyed during the conflict, at an estimated cost of up to one billion dollars.
Swedish energy developer Minesto confirmed a 25% increase in output from its Dragon 12 tidal system, marking a key step towards commercial deployment in the Faroe Islands.
Axpo will start major works in May around its Beznau hydropower plant to meet the requirements of its new operating permit valid until 2052, including the creation of new ecological habitats.
Norwegian group Orkla announces the sale of its hydropower portfolio through two separate transactions, valuing the assets at NOK 6.1 billion. A strategic decision aimed at streamlining operations and refocusing priorities.
Adani Group, a leader in renewable energy, plans to develop 10 GW of hydroelectric capacity in several Asian and African countries, including Bhutan, Nepal, Kenya, and Vietnam, to strengthen its green portfolio and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
The international technology group ANDRITZ has been selected to upgrade one of the units of Norway's largest run-of-river hydropower plant, Vamma, increasing its capacity by 22% while improving its energy efficiency.
Eco Wave Power and Lian Tat Sign a Historic Agreement to Develop the First Onshore Marine Energy Installation in Asia, Starting with a 100KW Pilot Project in Taiwan.
Uganda is undertaking the construction of three hydropower plants on the Nile to add 1,632 MW to its electricity capacity while exploring nuclear initiatives to diversify its energy mix in response to growing demand.
EDF and the Groupement d’intérêt public pour la réhabilitation de l’étang de Berre have reached an agreement to optimize the management of freshwater discharges into this Mediterranean lagoon, reducing the risks of suffocation for local fauna and flora.
Uganda boosts its energy capacity with the opening of the Karuma hydropower plant, financed by China to the tune of 1.7 billion dollars, marking a new stage in Sino-Ugandan cooperation.
Plastic waste accumulating in the turbines of the Ruzizi hydroelectric power station has forced us to cut electricity production by half for South Kivu and neighboring regions.
Tajikistan is imposing electricity restrictions due to dwindling water reserves, disrupting its hydroelectric plants and raising concerns about the country's ability to meet energy demand.
Greece and Cyprus are moving ahead with the Great Sea Interconnector project, aimed at linking Cyprus to mainland Europe via a 1,240 km undersea cable, a key element in the energy integration of the Eastern Mediterranean.
The Los Lagos hydroelectric project in Chile is the subject of discussions between Statkraft and local indigenous groups, amid concerns about the project's social and environmental impact.
The controlled opening of the Lagdo dam in Cameroon is causing concern in Nigeria, although hydrological authorities in both countries are tempering the risk of major flooding.
The Scanlon and Blanchard dam modernization projects in Minnesota illustrate a key initiative to strengthen energy infrastructure. These efforts are aimed at improving the resilience and efficiency of hydroelectric facilities in the face of growing climate challenges.
Brazil's prolonged drought has drastically reduced soil moisture in the main hydroelectric basins, threatening energy production and increasing electricity costs, with economic and inflationary repercussions.