The Government of Kazakhstan has approved the Hydroelectric Industry Development Plan until 2035. The corresponding resolution was signed by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov.The document defines a long-term approach to harnessing the country's hydroelectric potential and provides for the development of new generating capacity.
WHAT THE PLAN PROVIDES FOR
The document is aimed at establishing a unified approach to the development of hydroelectric power. When preparing new facilities, consideration will be given to the availability of water resources, the needs of the power system, technical capabilities, environmental constraints and conditions for attracting investment.
The plan includes 30 measures across six key areas. These include assessing the water balance and energy potential of rivers, creating a unified database of prospective sites, preparing land plots, building up a pool of hydroelectric power plants (HPPs) and pumped-storage hydroelectric plants, as well as workforce and scientific-technical support for the industry.
HOW SITES WILL BE SELECTED
According to the document, studies will help identify the most suitable sites for construction, determine the parameters of future facilities and assess in advance the risks associated with water supply and environmental impact.
All collected information is planned to be brought together on a digital platform, which will serve as a single source of information for government bodies and potential investors.
WHAT CAPACITY IS PLANNED
As part of expanding generating capacity, the commissioning of at least 500 MW of new hydroelectric capacity is planned by the end of 2030. The plan also gives attention to the construction of a pumped-storage hydroelectric plant.
According to the Government, the commissioning of new capacity should improve the reliability of power supply to the regions and the resilience of the Unified Electric Power System. When selecting sites, the water balance and environmental protection requirements will be taken into account to minimise the impact on the environment.
