Kazakhstan plans to switch CHPPs to gas
The southern capital consumes 20-25% of the required volume of electricity from the National Electric Grid, which is not produced within the region, therefore, the Minister of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan Bolat Akchulakov called the modernization of CHPP-2 the most important project for Almaty. Its capacity will be increased to 600 MW and transferred from coal to gas, which, according to the head of the Ministry of Energy, will significantly improve the environment in the city, inbusiness.kz reports.
“CHPP 2 is the highest priority project,” Bolat Akchulakov confirmed. “By the end of 2025, about 600-630 MW will be commissioned. The first block of the plant with a capacity of 250 MW is planned to be put into operation by the end of 2023. We want to replace coal and want to increase capacity. The project is capital-intensive. Also, CHPP-1 and CHPP-3, which are currently operating on gas, will be modernized with the installation of new capacities. Together, they will make it possible to cover Almaty's demand with a surplus, taking into account new construction."
Since nuclear power plants in Kazakhstan will be built for several years, and the energy shortage needs to be covered already now, the Ministry of Energy in the country has carried out a complete audit of the plants. 30 have already been explored; there are about a dozen left.
"We assume that solid fuel should be replaced with gas. Not just change the furnaces inside, but build new gas stations. And the old coal stations, most likely, will be mothballed in order to have a choice in the future. In addition to the three thermal power plants in Almaty, Shymkent is implementing a project of a 450 MW combined-cycle plant. Recently, we decided to hold an auction for the construction of two more new stations. 250 MW In Kyzylorda, 1 GW in the Turkestan region. Plus, the reconstruction of SDPP-1 units is still being completed, bringing its capacity to 4, 5 GW and the third block at SDPP -2. And we may add two more blocks to it," Bolat Akchulakov listed.
And all this - not counting the so-called renewable sources. Now Kazakhstan is planning to build a 1 GW wind power plant with battery storage near Lake Balkhash, and this energy will be fed into the system during peak hours, the minister said.
"We have plans for both solar and wind energy. By 2030, 15% of all electricity in Kazakhstan should already be from renewable sources. Plus hydropower. We are also considering it," the head of the Ministry of Energy concluded.