Automation of key processes in electric power industry to be implemented in Kazakhstan
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Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan Zhaslan Madiyev reported on the ongoing work to digitalize the electric power industry at a Government session, primeminister.kz reports.
He noted that the development and digitalization of the electric power sector are becoming key factors in improving the efficiency of electricity production, distribution, and consumption.
As part of the instruction of the Head of State, central government bodies, including the Ministry of Energy, have developed and approved the Digital Transformation Map of the Energy Sector. The Digital Transformation Map is a roadmap that defines the strategic measures and stages for the development of digital technologies in the energy complex," Zhaslan Madiyev said.
The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that digital transformation is aimed at introducing smart grids, digital twins, monitoring and predictive diagnostics systems, as well as the use of artificial intelligence to forecast demand, optimize generation, and manage the grid.
Currently, 43 public services are provided in the energy sector, 99% of which are available online. By 2027, at least 50% of electricity and heat supply facilities will be covered by digital monitoring, and key industry processes will be automated.
As part of digital transformation, business process reengineering has been carried out in the energy sector, in particular regarding the approval of the maximum electricity tariff.
It was noted that the activities of energy-producing organizations revealed several issues: lengthy document verification and approval procedures for tariffs, lack of digital expenditure accounting, insufficient information on the technical condition of equipment, and the need for manual data entry of large volumes. Additionally, energy producers lack information about planned repair works in other organizations, which reduces coordination and planning efficiency. The proposed measures are aimed at ensuring online submission of applications and accounting of technical works, improving access to data necessary for maintenance planning, reducing the time required for calculations, and shortening the timeframe for submitting applications for tariff approval. The effects of digital transformation have resulted in significant process optimization: a 59% reduction in the number of steps has decreased bureaucratic burden, while the overall improvement level of 56% has reduced administrative workload.
The Deputy Prime Minister added that the introduction of artificial intelligence in the electric power industry is becoming one of the leading areas of digital transformation. Artificial intelligence increases diagnostic accuracy, improves network management, and enhances reliability of power supply. In energy facilities such as power transmission lines (PTL), inspections are currently performed manually by staff, and all documentation is processed by hand, which complicates the timely detection of defects. As a solution, a defect detection system using artificial intelligence has been proposed. It automatically recognizes defects in media content with up to 98% accuracy (such as cracks, chips, contamination, and fastening failures). The system generates a digital twin of the power grid with visualization of technical issues in a geographic information system. This reduces risks to personnel safety, lowers the number of emergency outages, minimizes energy losses, and increases the reliability of the entire power system.
In the heat energy sector, the problem of worn-out heating networks requires substantial reconstruction costs. Currently, decisions are made based on accident frequency and normative wear levels, and data is processed manually.
Based on the results of the reengineering process, we propose the introduction of a robotic complex with ultrasonic in-pipe diagnostics and automated data processing using artificial intelligence. This will reduce budgets and repair time by accurately calculating the scope of work, decrease accident rates through predictive modeling, and minimize inconvenience to the population. Ultimately, the use of artificial intelligence in the electric power industry ensures safety, reliability, and economic efficiency - an essential step on the path to digitalization and development," Zhaslan Madiyev emphasized.
According to the ministry, startups in the electric power sector are actively developing within the Astana Hub ecosystem. Companies are creating systems for monitoring, management, and data analysis at energy enterprises, producing industrial controllers for monitoring power quality and energy efficiency, and developing various technological solutions and services.
By the end of 2024, companies in this field earned more than 1.8 billion tenge, and their total cumulative income exceeded 3.8 billion tenge. As a result, over 400 new jobs were created in the sector.
One of the Astana Hub residents, the company "FACEPLATE," provides an Intelligent Platform for real-time data collection, processing, and analysis at energy enterprises. The platform helped users reduce operational and maintenance costs by $1.3 million. Within the KEGOC group, the platform enabled $1.6 million in savings through reduced energy losses.
Global experience demonstrates that the digitalization of the electric power industry provides major advantages. In the Netherlands, a digital energy management system has been implemented, reducing overall electricity consumption by about 15%. In China, China Energy Investment Corp is launching the world’s first large-scale AI model for power generation, improving forecasting accuracy for energy production. In the United States, AI-based defect detection systems are used at energy facilities.
Overall, artificial intelligence and machine learning, digital energy management platforms, smart meters, and advanced network management systems with automation and data analytics play a crucial role in the development and digitalization of the electric power industry. These technologies allow more efficient control and forecasting of energy consumption, optimization of operations, and reduction of transmission losses.
Ultimately, their implementation enhances the reliability of the power system, reduces consumption costs, and lowers overall energy use, ensuring more sustainable and cost-efficient industry performance in the digital economy.
Currently, modern digital technologies are being implemented to ensure transparent energy resource accounting, efficient monitoring of network conditions, and reduced bureaucracy. Kazakhstani IT companies are developing innovative solutions aimed at improving the efficiency of energy production and distribution, as well as optimizing the management of energy infrastructure.
For further sectoral development, it is necessary to implement integrated digital platforms and ecosystems combining generation and power transmission using AI and big data to optimize management and improve efficiency; to develop smart grid systems and commercial metering to improve service quality, reduce resource losses, and enhance tariff transparency; and to actively use unmanned technologies and AI-powered drones for power line defect detection, reducing accidents and maintenance costs," Zhaslan Madiyev noted.
In conclusion, he stated that comprehensive digitalization of the electric power sector and the use of advanced technologies will improve the reliability of power supply, reduce energy losses, and enhance the quality of services for consumers.
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Kazakhstan, S. Korea partner to develop Alatau Smart City project
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Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev on Thursday met with Kim Bok-hwan, President and CEO of the Korea Overseas Infrastructure and Urban Development Corporation (KIND), Qazinform News Agency reports via the Kazakh Government.
The meeting in Kazakh capital Astana was a follow-up to the October negotiations at the Alatau Rise with Kazakhstan roadshow in Seoul, where Kazakhstan represented its smart city Alatau as one of its strategic projects.
Many Korean companies showed their support for our promising project Alatau Smart City, which is encouraging. KIND could participate in infrastructure construction projects, including in energy, water supply, water treatment, wastewater treatment and disposal, waste recycling – based on both an EPC contract or the format of development, said Bozumbayev.
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Chinese Company Explores Participation in Kazakhstan’s Power Infrastructure Modernization Program
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Alibek Kuantyrov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and Madiyar Sultanbek, Deputy Chairman of the Management Board of NC "Kazakh Invest" JSC, held a meeting with Li Jianjiang, General Manager of Zhongyoung Power (Yunxi) Group Co., Ltd. The company expressed interest in participating as an investor in the modernization of Kazakhstan’s power infrastructure, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
The Chinese side voiced interest in participating in the National Project "Modernization of the Energy and Utilities Sectors," which identifies a broad range of facilities requiring renovation, upgrades, and modernization. Li Jianjiang emphasized that Zhongyoung Power is ready to consider various investment participation formats, including public-private partnership (PPP) mechanisms and tariff-based investment recovery models, in line with international infrastructure financing practices. He also noted the company’s intention to utilize locally produced equipment and transformers manufactured in Kazakhstan in implementing its projects.
The parties discussed potential involvement of the company in modernizing substations, replacing outdated equipment, constructing new transformer capacities, and introducing advanced solutions for medium- and high-voltage networks.
During the meeting, Alibek Kuantyrov underlined that modernization of the energy sector is a strategic priority for Kazakhstan and requires engagement of reliable technology partners with global expertise. He noted that PPP and tariff-based mechanisms can be applied under the current legal framework, provided they meet sectoral standards. The Deputy Minister also proposed that the company localize part of its equipment production in Kazakhstan, emphasizing opportunities for cooperation with local enterprises in implementing long-term energy projects.
In turn, Madiyar Sultanbek briefed the partners on state support instruments and opportunities for participation in national and regional power grid modernization programs. He highlighted Kazakhstan’s readiness to consider proposals aimed at improving energy reliability, efficiency, and the adoption of modern technologies.
The parties agreed to continue in-depth discussions on potential cooperation formats, including localization assessments and project technical parameters. As part of the follow-up work, a separate meeting was organized for the Chinese delegation with the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan to discuss sectoral requirements, infrastructure needs, and potential areas of partnership in the energy sector.
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Zhanassova named Deputy Head of the President’s Executive Office
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Assel Zhanassova has been appointed Deputy Head of the President’s Executive Office, Qazinform News Agency learned from the Akorda press service.
By the President’s decree, Assel Zhanassova has been appointed Deputy Head of the President’s Executive Office. She has been relieved of her previous position," a statement reads.
Assel Zhanassova was born on July 8, 1987, in Almaty. In 2010, she graduated from the University of Cambridge under the international scholarship of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan "Bolashak" in the field of computer science, and in 2014 she completed her master’s studies at the University of Cambridge and Lomonosov Moscow State University under the "Executive Management" program. Since June 8, 2025 - Advisor to the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
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Kazakhstan to suspend creation of new info systems by government agencies outside QazTech platform
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Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on Wednesday issued an order regarding some digitalization matters in Kazakhstan, Qazinform News Agency reports via Akorda.
The order introduces a moratorium on creation of new information systems by government agencies and quasi-sector subjects outside the QazTech information-communication platform of e-government starting January 1, 2026.
In case the creation of information system on the QazTech platform faces technical faults, the Government must ensure every individual case is submitted for review by the President’s Commission on digitalization implementation, reads the order.
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Volume of transit cargo reached 29.4 million tons - Ministry of Transport
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Minister of Transport of the Republic of Kazakhstan Nurlan Sauranbayev reported at the Government session on the ongoing work to develop the country’s transport and logistics potential, primeminister.kz reports.
He noted that as of today, the transport sector has become one of the drivers of economic growth. Over the first 10 months of the current year, there has been positive dynamics in key indicators. The volume of transport services increased by 20.7%. Investments in fixed capital rose by 18.4%. The volume of transit cargo reached 29.4 million tons, with a growth rate of 5%.
It was noted that construction and repair works this year covered 13,000 km of highways. 93% of national roads are in standard technical condition.
Work is underway to modernize checkpoints on the internal border. By the end of 2027, it is planned to complete 37 checkpoints.
The main factor ensuring the efficiency of highways is digital solutions. Following the instruction of the Head of State, digital road passports are being developed within the e-Joldar framework. This will allow the future implementation of unmanned vehicles," Nurlan Sauranbayev emphasized.
The Minister added that annual road diagnostics are carried out using artificial intelligence technologies.
The installation of automated measurement stations (up to 220 units) continues to preserve road quality. To reduce the burden on the budget, toll sections are being gradually introduced on national roads. On toll roads, the KazToll system has enabled collections amounting to 79 billion tenge.
According to the ministry, the volume of freight transport by road reached 288 million tons, an increase of 1.7% compared to the previous reporting period.
Automated measurement stations increased the detection of violations and budget revenues tenfold.
As a result of integration with the General Prosecutor’s Office, more than 10,000 orders for mandatory fine payments were issued in the first five months of this year.
Cargo transportation by road is carried out with 42 countries. Last year, with China and Uzbekistan, foreign paper permit forms were converted into electronic format.
Also, based on the results of the first 10 months of this year, 13.1 million passengers were transported by air, which is 6.5% more than in the same period last year. The main digital tool for transporting air freight is the e-Freight system. Today, all airports and airlines in the country use the system. This complies with the international IATA standard.
Currently, government agencies are working on integration for import and export customs declarations, phytosanitary and veterinary control. This work enables full automation of business processes.
The Minister of Transport also reported that freight transportation by rail continues to grow. The volume of rail freight over the first 10 months of this year amounted to 380.3 million tons, with a growth rate of 7.9% compared to the same period last year.
Digitalization initiatives in the sector, such as the Digital Trade Corridor, are aimed at increasing transit cargo flows. Electronic declaration and the provision of services through the "Single Window" help eliminate barriers and enhance the confidence of international carriers.
At the moment, there are more than 250 information systems in the railway sector. An important aspect for the sector is the implementation of digital transformation and the formation of a target IT architecture considering international experience," Nurlan Sauranbayev emphasized.
In accordance with the instruction of the Head of State, the Smart Cargo platform was launched in October of this year. The platform integrates services of government agencies. Integration with 30 government services has been completed. As part of the platform’s development, integration with 47 additional services from the public and private sectors is planned.
Today, it is possible to track the location of cargo, and AI-based assistants have been created. Additional state services can be obtained. Work continues on implementing the "Green Corridor," which will provide automatic issuance of a transit declaration for crossing the border.
The results of digital transformation in the sector are expected to increase highway capacity by 20%. Processing times at road checkpoints will be around 10 minutes. The introduction of artificial intelligence technology will reduce the time required to create and plan trains sixfold, and reduce cargo processing times at airports to one hour.
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