Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Energy of Kazakhstan is preparing a National Project for the development of coal-fired power generation with a total potential capacity of around 7.6 GW, according to QazMonitor.
Energy Minister Erlan Akkenzhenov said the initiative will prioritize modern “clean coal” technologies designed to meet environmental standards. As part of the programme, the ministry is overseeing the construction of three combined heat and power plants in Kokshetau, Semey and Ust-Kamenogorsk, with a combined capacity of 960 MW.
The energy planning is being adjusted in the context of Kazakhstan declaring 2026 the Year of Digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence. Given the high electricity demand of data centres, the Energy Ministry and the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovations and Aerospace Industry will revisit timelines and volumes for new power capacity additions.
Strengthening the gas sector
To expand the country’s natural gas resource base, national gas company QazaqGaz is currently carrying out geological exploration across 14 licence areas, with preliminary resources estimated at about 515 billion cubic metres. In the medium term, the exploration portfolio is expected to grow to 30 sites, with total potential resources of roughly 1.7 trillion cubic metres.
Around 50 subsurface blocks are planned to be offered via electronic auctions to attract investors and share geological risks. Exploration will be financed jointly by QazaqGaz, Samruk-Kazyna, and private investors.
Digital map for hydropower development
The ministry is also developing a unified digital map of Kazakhstan’s hydropower resources. The platform will integrate hydrological, topographical, infrastructure and legal data, helping to accelerate hydropower project design and shorten pre-investment preparation periods.
Lower aviation fuel costs
As part of efforts to develop aviation hubs, the price of jet fuel supplied directly to aircraft has been reduced from $1200 to $940 per tonne, with a further decrease to $890 planned. The ministry said the move has improved the competitiveness of Kazakhstan’s airports and supported the expansion of international routes, including services by Air Atlanta, Hungary Airlines and One Air.
