Kazakhstan - From fossil fuels to renewables

The total installed generation capacity is 21,673 MW. Of this, some 80% is provided by coal-fired plants. Only 10% is generated by hydropower, with about 2,456 MW. Supply and distribution of electricity through Kazakhstan is proble­matic because most of the energy is produced far from demand centers and the bulk power grid is in significant need of modernization.  

Although Kazakhstan has an estimated technically feasible hydropower potential of about 62,000 GWh per year, only 13% of this potential has been developed so far. To meet future demand and address ambitious targets to increase the share of renewables to about 50% by 2050, the country needs to increase investment in the power sector. Even if measures regarding decentralized electri­city, trading markets, and new tariffs are beginning to show results, more energy market reforms are required.

ANDRITZ Hydro in Kazakhstan

For about 10 years, ANDRITZ Hydro has been active in the promising hydropower market of Kazakhstan. In 2017, the representative office in Almaty was established as a regional hub to support better access to the market and to be able to explore the excellent business opportunities not only in this huge country, but accross the entire Central Asian region.

A stand-out reference is the Moinak hydropower plant (2 ×153 MW), where ANDRITZ delivered two Pelton turbines and a spare runner. Electro-mechanical equipment for two small hydropower stations on the river Issyk, each with a capacity of 5.25 MW, have also been delivered and installed in Kazakhstan.

In December 2013, ANDRITZ signed a contract for new electro-mechanical equipment at the Shardarinskaya hydropower plant. ANDRITZ is replacing four Kaplan turbines with new runners, new generators, ­automation, and auxiliary systems. The power output will be ­increased by about 20% – from 26 MW to 31.5 MW per unit. The first two units are already in commercial operation, refurbishment of the remaining two units is scheduled for completion at the beginning of 2020.