Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development Zhaslan Madiyev and Chairman of the Management Board of Kazakhtelecom JSC Bagdat Mussin inspected the construction progress of the Data Center Valley facility being built in Ekibastuz. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Sputnik Kazakhstan.
A major infrastructure project in Kazakhstan's artificial intelligence and data processing sector is taking shape as a large-scale technology cluster designed to host modern data centers, develop artificial intelligence and attract international technology companies.
Project parameters
The project envisages phased infrastructure development and an increase in computing capacity to 1 GW. The 215 MW capacity of the first phase has been fully pre-allocated. The first 50 MW data center is planned to be commissioned in the second quarter of 2027.
The main topics of discussion were power supply, engineering infrastructure, the technological readiness of the facility and compliance of construction work with the schedule.
Minister's remarks
Zhaslan Madiyev noted the strategic importance of the project for developing the national artificial intelligence infrastructure.
«Today artificial intelligence is becoming one of the key factors determining economic growth and the technological competitiveness of states. However, developing artificial intelligence requires appropriate infrastructure. This includes computing capacity, a reliable power supply system and modern data centers,» the minister emphasized.
According to him, Data Center Valley is a strategic project that will allow Kazakhstan to take its place on the global artificial intelligence map.
«Our task is to create conditions for international technology companies not only to use Kazakhstan's infrastructure but also to develop their projects here, invest and build new competencies,» Zhaslan Madiyev said.
Investment and advantages
The total investment in the project's development is expected to amount to about US$5 billion.
Kazakhtelecom CEO Bagdat Mussin noted that the implementation of the Data Center Valley project opens up new opportunities for Kazakhstan in the global digital economy.
«For a long time Kazakhstan was viewed primarily as a country rich in natural resources. Today there is an opportunity to turn available energy into a new export product, namely computing capacity,» Bagdat Mussin said.
One of the competitive advantages of the Data Center Valley project is the availability of electricity at a tariff starting from 2.5 US cents per 1 kWh. This makes the facility attractive for energy-intensive computing systems. The project also envisages the use of modern cooling technologies.