The Government of Kazakhstan has approved a plan for the development of the hydroenergy sector until 2035. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Sputnik Kazakhstan.
The plan, signed by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, includes 30 measures in six main areas. These include assessing the water balance and energy potential of rivers, forming a unified database of planned facilities, preparing land plots, creating a pool of hydroelectric and pumped-storage power plants, as well as addressing staffing and scientific-technical support issues.
The research will help select suitable sites, determine parameters of future facilities, and preemptively account for risks related to water supply and environmental impact. All information will be consolidated on a digital platform that will serve as a single source for government agencies and potential investors.
Within the framework of expanding generating capacities, it is planned to increase new hydroenergy capacity by at least 500 MW by the end of 2030. Attention is also paid to the construction of a pumped-storage hydroelectric power plant.
The commissioning of new facilities will enhance the reliability of energy supply to regions and the stability of the Unified Electric Power System. When selecting sites, water balance and environmental protection requirements will be considered, minimizing the impact on the environment.