Tengrinews.kz – Nine thermal power plants (TPPs) in Kazakhstan have been reclassified from the “red” high-risk zone to the “yellow” medium-risk category, the government’s press service reported.
Energy Minister Yerlan Akkenzhenov said the country is carrying out a large-scale repair campaign. In 2025, major overhauls are planned for 10 power units, 63 boilers, and 39 turbines.
“This work has already shown results. The average wear of TPPs across the country has decreased to 61 percent. Following the last heating season, nine TPPs moved from the red risk zone to the yellow zone, while three others moved from yellow to green,” Akkenzhenov said.
Earlier, Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov announced that Kazakhstan had begun building a new TPP in Kokshetau without Russian participation. Initially, three new plants were planned as joint projects with Russian partners.
“As for Semey and Ust-Kamenogorsk, we are still awaiting a response from the Russian side. If there is no reply soon, we will also consider independent implementation. We cannot wait indefinitely,” Bektenov said.
In May, First Deputy Prime Minister Roman Sklyar noted that Kazakhstan may attract a different investor for the planned plants in the Abai, Akmola, and East Kazakhstan regions, citing subsidy issues with previous partners.
Energy Minister Akkenzhenov later confirmed that Kazakhstan could move forward with construction in Kokshetau, Semey, and Ust-Kamenogorsk on its own if agreements with foreign partners are not reached.