“This will reduce pollution”: Tokayev tasks government and Almaty authorities with energy upgrades

Tengrinews.kz – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has outlined a number of near-term priorities for the development of Kazakhstan’s energy sector, including specific tasks for the government and the Almaty city administration aimed at reducing air pollution.

The Head of State made the remarks at a ceremonial event at Akorda, where he congratulated energy sector workers and stressed that strengthening Kazakhstan’s energy potential remains a top priority.

“This year, a unique project to reinforce the power grids of the western regions will be completed. This project will unite the energy networks of West Kazakhstan, Atyrau and Mangistau regions. These hubs must now be connected to the unified national energy system. Major projects are also being implemented in our country. In particular, new power units will be built at Ekibastuz GRES-2. In addition, construction of a third GRES will begin,” Tokayev said.

According to him, commissioning these facilities will help eliminate the country’s electricity shortage. Another key task facing the government and local authorities is the modernization of power plants in Almaty in 2026.

“This will reduce air pollution levels and significantly improve the environmental situation in the city. In addition, next year it is necessary to fully commission power plants with combined-cycle gas turbine units in Kyzylorda and Turkestan regions,” the President noted.

Tokayev added that by 2035, facilities providing a total electricity generation capacity of more than 26 gigawatts are expected to be commissioned across the country.