Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Energy and the Samruk-Kazyna sovereign wealth fund have been tasked with developing a comprehensive programme for the development of coal-fired and gas-fired power generation within one month. The initiative will also include detailed planning for the development of new oil and gas reserves to ensure a reliable long-term supply of gas for future energy facilities.
The national gas company QazaqGaz is expected to play a central role in strengthening the country’s resource base. According to the Ministry of Energy, QazaqGaz is currently carrying out an extensive geological exploration programme across 14 sites, where preliminary estimates indicate gas resources of around 515 billion cubic metres.
The exploration programme is set to expand significantly in the coming years. QazaqGaz plans to increase its exploration portfolio to 30 sites, with the combined potential of these areas estimated at up to 1.7 trillion cubic metres of gas. This expansion is intended to provide a solid foundation for future growth in gas production, particularly against the backdrop of rising domestic demand.
As part of these efforts, QazaqGaz announced on 12 January that it had signed an agreement with Agip Caspian Sea to carry out joint geological and geophysical studies on the Kamenkovsky block in the Pre-Caspian sedimentary basin, targeting hydrocarbon potential.
In parallel, the authorities plan to attract investment and reduce exploration risks through a series of electronic auctions. Around 50 prospective subsoil plots are expected to be offered. Geological exploration on these sites will be financed jointly by QazaqGaz, Samruk-Kazyna and private investors.
