MINEX Forum

Tag: power generation

  • Kazakhstan to Invest Over 8 Trillion Tenge in Expanding Coal Power Generation by 2030

    Kazakhstan to Invest Over 8 Trillion Tenge in Expanding Coal Power Generation by 2030

    Kazakhstan plans to invest more than 8 trillion tenge in expanding its coal-fired power generation capacity by 2030, the country’s Ministry of Energy of Kazakhstan said during a recent roundtable outlining the main areas of planned spending.

    Under a national project to develop coal-based power generation, Kazakhstan intends to construct five new thermal power plants in Kurchatov, Kokshetau, Semey, Ust-Kamenogorsk, and Zhezkazgan, as well as build Ekibastuz GRES-3. In parallel, the existing Ekibastuz GRES-2 and Aksu GRES power stations are set to undergo modernization.

    The national project focuses on introducing technologies that reduce atmospheric emissions from coal combustion. It предусматривает a gradual replacement of worn-out generation assets with modern, high-efficiency power units designed to minimize environmental impact. According to the ministry, the new coal-fired plants are expected to strengthen Kazakhstan’s energy security while meeting environmental standards.

    Investors for the construction of new power facilities will be selected through competitive tenders. For the modernization of existing plants, project operators will sign investment agreements directly with the Ministry of Energy. These mechanisms are intended to ensure transparency and provide investors with guaranteed returns, as electricity tariffs will be fixed under long-term contracts.

    To integrate the new generating capacity into the national energy system, the ministry also plans to increase coal production and further develop railway infrastructure. The proposals will be coordinated with other relevant government agencies before being incorporated into the final version of the national project.

  • Kazakhstan Drafts National Coal Power Project While Expanding Gas, Digital Energy Planning

    Kazakhstan Drafts National Coal Power Project While Expanding Gas, Digital Energy Planning

    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.

  • Kazakhstan to Draft Gas and Coal Power Development Plan as QazaqGaz Expands Exploration

    Kazakhstan to Draft Gas and Coal Power Development Plan as QazaqGaz Expands Exploration

    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.

  • Poland’s PGE to Phase Out Coal-Fired Power Units by 2025

    Poland’s PGE to Phase Out Coal-Fired Power Units by 2025

    Poland’s largest power utility, PGE, plans to cease electricity production at its four remaining coal-fired units at the Rybnik power plant by the end of 2025, according to a report from the Polish Press Agency. The units, which collectively generate 900 megawatts (MW), have capacity market contracts running until this deadline. While coalcontinues to dominate Poland’s electricity generation, profitability is declining as state-controlled utilities like PGE shift towards renewable energy. Additionally, banks are increasingly reluctant to finance coal-based operations.

    PGE has already phased out four coal-fired units at the Rybnik plant and is preparing to replace them with an 882 MW gas-fired unit, scheduled for commissioning by the end of 2026. The company reiterated that the decision to end coal production was made in 2020. The timeline for ending heat production at the coal-fired units has been extended to August 31, 2026.