POWERCHINA backs Kazakhstan’s transition to new energy sources

The Power Construction Corporation of China (POWERCHINA) and Al-Farabi Kazakh National University in Almaty, Kazakhstan, have joined forces to establish a groundbreaking industry-academia-research cooperation agreement. This collaboration aims to drive technological innovation and foster a new era of energy transformation in Almaty.

POWERCHINA, a key player in the energy sector, has already made significant investments in Kazakhstan since 2008, totaling over US$5 billion. One of their flagship projects includes the upgrade of the Almaty Coal-fired Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Plant 2, which is set to revolutionize the local energy landscape.

In line with Kazakhstan’s ambitious “carbon neutrality by 2060” strategy, the upgrade of the Almaty CHP Plant 2 into a combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) power plant is a crucial step towards a cleaner and more sustainable future. This transformation will significantly reduce harmful emissions while meeting the city’s growing power and heating demands.

Moreover, the collaboration between Chinese and Kazakh employees on this project highlights the importance of knowledge sharing and skill development. By exchanging expertise and experiences, both teams are working towards a common goal of achieving excellence in technical innovation and project execution.

The official commencement of the project on November 19, 2021, was marked by a special ceremony attended by Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. A “time capsule” containing a letter to the future was buried, symbolizing the commitment to building a better tomorrow through sustainable energy practices. The completion of the project in 2026 will unveil the contents of the capsule, revealing the shared vision for a cleaner and greener Almaty.