Presidential Directives in Action: Government Reviews Progress on Key Energy and Infocommunication Projects
Images | primeminister.kz
Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov chaired a meeting on the implementation of major energy and infocommunication projects as part of the President’s directives, including those issued during the extended Government session, primeminister.kz reports.
Reports were delivered by Minister of Energy Yerlan Akkenzhenov, Minister of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry Zhaslan Madiev, as well as Chairmen of the Boards of Samruk-Kazyna JSC - Nurlan Zhakupov, KEGOC JSC - Nabi Aitzhanov, and Samruk-Energy JSC - Kairat Maksutov.
The Head of State has set a clear task: Kazakhstan must achieve full self-sufficiency in electricity and build strategic reserves. Implementing key energy projects is a strategic priority aimed at ensuring economic resilience. A reliable and predictable energy system underpins industrial growth, regional development, and the launch of new projects, including those involving digital technologies and artificial intelligence. It is essential to commission new capacities on schedule," Olzhas Bektenov stressed.
According to the Ministry of Energy, there are currently 230 power plants operating in Kazakhstan, including 156 renewable energy facilities (RE) with a total installed capacity of over 3 GW. In 2024, electricity generation totaled 117.9 billion kWh, while consumption reached 119.9 billion kWh.
Minister Yerlan Akkenzhenov reported that a comprehensive generation development program is underway to address the energy deficit and update capacity, with plans to add over 26 GW of power by 2035. Projects totaling 10 GW are already in various stages of development. An additional 5 GW will be achieved through the modernization of existing plants. In 2025, 621.5 MW of capacity is planned for commissioning, including 166 MW from traditional sources and 455.5 MW from renewables.
Particular focus is being placed on clean coal technologies with near-zero emissions, including the construction of the 2.6 GW Ekibastuz GRES-3 and a 600-700 MW thermal power plant in Kurchatov. These projects support the phased replacement of outdated coal-fired plants and align with the national goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2060.
Nurlan Zhakupov, Chairman of Samruk-Kazyna, reported on the construction of a 1 GW combined-cycle gas plant in Turkistan Region, which will be part of the TURAN Special Economic Zone. The plant is expected to reach full design capacity by 2027.
Kairat Maksutov, Chairman of Samruk-Energy, detailed several major modernization projects. As part of the Ekibastuz GRES-2 expansion, a third power unit with a capacity of 540 MW is under construction, scheduled for commissioning in 2028. In Almaty, CHP-2 and CHP-3 are being converted to gas. Upon modernization completion in 2026, their combined installed capacity will exceed 1 GW. Preparations are also underway for the construction of new CHPs in Kokshetau, Semey, and Ust-Kamenogorsk. Contractors have been selected for the Kokshetau project, and contract negotiations are in progress.
Nabi Aitzhanov, Chairman of KEGOC, reported on efforts to integrate the Western power system with the Unified Electric Power System of Kazakhstan and reinforce the Southern power grid. Two major initiatives worth over 356 billion tenge are being implemented under the President’s directives.
The 500 kV "Karabatan - Olke" transmission line (600+ km) is being built to improve electricity supply quality in Atyrau and Aktobe regions and to support the integration of renewable energy projects in the western regions. Construction is on schedule, with commissioning planned by the end of 2027.
To reinforce the Southern power system, a 500 kV line is under construction along the Shu - Zhambyl - Shymkent route (475 km), along with modernization of key substations. This project is due for completion by mid-2027 and will enhance grid stability and resilience in southern regions.
To support the reliable operation of the National Electrical Grid, KEGOC plans to implement 8 major investment projects totaling 2.3 trillion tenge as part of broader plans for new generation capacity.
The meeting also reviewed projects aimed at developing Kazakhstan’s infocommunication infrastructure. Prime Minister Bektenov emphasized the vital role of these initiatives in the country’s digital transformation.
According to the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry, Kazakhstan currently has approximately 6,179 villages, 42% of which are covered by high-speed data transmission technologies. Under the fiber-optic communication lines (FOCL) connectivity project, internet access will be extended to 3,781 villages by the end of 2027, increasing the total network length by more than 160,000 km and raising coverage to 90%.
To strengthen Kazakhstan’s position as a digital transit hub between Europe and Asia, efforts are underway to expand the country’s share in international data transmission by the end of 2026. Construction is progressing on the Trans-Caspian backbone and the West-East hyper backbone, with total investments amounting to 30.7 billion tenge.
Mobile coverage is expected to reach 99% nationwide by 2027, including along 40,000 km of national and regional highways. Satellite connectivity is also expanding: by the end of 2025, an additional 328 remote settlements will be connected to the internet. Kazakhstan is collaborating with OneWeb, StarLink, Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology, and Amazon Kuiper. Total investments in this area exceed 38.6 billion tenge.
In terms of data infrastructure, Kazakhstan plans to commission 10 data centers of at least Tier III level by 2030, with a combined capacity of around 20,000 IT racks.
Minister Zhaslan Madiev reported that total investment in the ICT sector for 2025-2030 is expected to reach approximately 1.3 trillion tenge.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the Prime Minister issued a series of instructions.
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.
relevant news
Kazakhstan to launch first Soyuz-5/Sunkar from Baiterek in Q1 2026
Images | roscosmos.ru
The first launch of the Soyuz5/Sunkar rocket from the Baiterek launch complex is expected in the first quarter of 2026, Qazinform News Agency reports, citing Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development, Zhaslan Madiyev.
This is our own Kazakh launch complex, designed to deploy launch vehicles in the medium-to-heavy class segment. Preparations are currently in an active phase, and the rocket is now on the territory of Kazakhstan. We expect the first test launch to take place in the first quarter of next year," the minister said.
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.
President signs law boosting investment in hydrocarbons and uranium
Images | kazatomprom.kz
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has signed the Law introducing amendments to the Subsoil and Subsoil Use Code, enhancing hydrocarbon and uranium extraction regulation, Qazinform News Agency cites Akorda.
Firstly, the amendments formally define the status of poorly explored territories-areas where regional geological studies have not been conducted or where no promising sedimentary basins have previously been identified.
Secondly, to bolster investor confidence, the law introduces a provision that allows any company conducting geological research at its own expense to receive exclusive and guaranteed priority for subsequent exploration and extraction licenses.
The third direction concerns improving the efficiency of using reserve subsoil plots. Currently, 53 hydrocarbon sites are assigned to national companies, but active operations are underway on only about 20% of them. In the meantime, others languish for years, remaining undeveloped. The new law limits reservation periods and requires unused plots to be put up for electronic auctions, increasing competition, accelerating geological exploration, and attracting new market participants.
The fourth major provision is related to the uranium sector. In light of growing global interest in nuclear energy, the national company is granted priority rights to explore and develop new uranium deposits. The measure is intended to help maintain Kazakhstan’s energy balance and strengthen its position in the global nuclear energy market.
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.
Kazakh President signs decree expanding National Security Committee’s powers
Images | ortcom.kz
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on Thursday signed a decree on measures to improve public administration, expanding the National Security Committee's powers, Qazinform News Agency reports.
According to the decree, the Kazakh National Security Committee is granted powers and functions from the Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development Ministry on the exercise of state control in the informatization field, specifically regarding information security of critical assets of information and communications infrastructure.
Under the document, the Government, together with the National Security Committee, is instructed to prepare necessary legislative amendments and adopt measures to implement the decree.
In addition, the National Security Committee was assigned with submitting to the President draft amendments and additions to the Regulations of the Committee for consideration, with control over the decree’s implementation resting with the Presidential Administration.
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.
Kazakhstan rightfully serves as a golden bridge between East and West - Tokayev
Images | Akorda
Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has held a meeting with the authorities and residents of Zhambyl region, Qazinform News Agency reports citing the press service of Akorda.
In his remarks, the President highlighted the large-scale reforms underway in the national economy. He noted that economic growth reached 15.8% in the past five years, exceeding 6% in 2025 - the highest indicator since 2012. Per capita GDP increased by 47%, with gold and currency reserves of the National Fund surpassing 125 billion US dollars.
Tokayev reminded that the second line of the Dostyk-Moiynty railroad was commissioned ahead of schedule.
This is one of the largest railroad projects implemented in Kazakhstan in the years of Independence. In just a few months, an additional 6 million tons of cargo was transported along this route. The construction of the Moiynty-Kyzylzhar section is underway too," he noted.
Emphasizing Kazakhstan’s strategic role, the President declared: "Kazakhstan is rightfully named a golden bridge between East and West. Our objective is to use this advantage as efficiently as possible."
He further recalled that 13,000 kilometers of highways were built and repaired in the outgoing year. Special attention is being given to the modernizing air communication, with 36 new flights launched, establishing direct ties with the major global cities.
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.
Digital Code submitted for President’s signature
Images | Depositphotos
Senators have approved today the Digital Code of Kazakhstan in two hearings, Qazinform News Agency reports.
According to the senators, the goal of the document is to create a unified, transparent, and effective system of legal regulation of the digital environment.
The Code determines the goals, objectives, and principles of digital legislation, aimed at consolidating the mechanisms of implementation of unified state policy in digital environment, strengthening legality and law and order in digital environment, as well as creating conditions for attraction of investments into the digital environment development.
The Code also defines and regulates the activities of subjects and objects of the digital environment. In particular, it consolidates the fundamental rights and obligations of subjects of the digital environment, including the rights to digital identity and its protection, as well as to deletion, anonymization, and restriction of personal data processing. The provisions concerning digital environment onjects provide for the regulation of digital data and types of digital objects, including digital records, assets, resources, and more.
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.
Kazakh President arrived in Zhambyl region for working visit
Images | Akorda
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev arrived in Zhambyl region for a working visit, Qazinform News Agency learnt from the Akorda press service.
President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev visited the Amir & D LLP as part of his working visit to Zhambyl region to survey enterprises producing medical devices and pharmaceuticals.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev inspected the main production workshops and samples of finished products.
The Amir & D LLP manufactures more than 200 types of medical products, including express tests for the diagnosis of socially significant diseases such as hepatitis B and C, HIV infection, myocardial infarction, as well as tests for detecting narcotic and psychotropic substances. It currently employs 94 staff members.
The President also got acquainted with the operations of Super-pharm LLP, one of Kazakhstan’s leading producers of medical devices. More than 600 people work there. It supplies about 30% of the country’s demand for disposable medical products. In particular, the company manufactures surgical and procedural kits for various types of operations, all types of medical masks, protective disposable clothing, and sanitary-hygienic products. It also produces medical syringes, infusion systems, blood transfusion systems, and other items.
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.