Kazakh PM, Eni discuss local content development in Karachaganak, Kashagan, joint renewable energy projects

ASTANA. March 27 (Interfax) - Kazakh Prime Minister of Olzhas Bektenov discussed cooperation in the energy sector at a meeting with Eni Director of Exploration and Production Luca Vignati, Bektenov's press service said.

The two noted the systematic implementation of the Karachaganak expansion project. To maintain annual production at the level of 11 million tonnes, an additional five or six sour gas reinjection compressors are being commissioned. The construction of a gas processing plant with annual capacity of 4 billion cubic meters is in the active phase of implementation, and the plant will provide households with commercial gas at an affordable price.

Work on the full-scale development of the Kashagan field is being carried out on schedule and is under special control of the government. The parties also discussed related issues related to the upcoming construction of a gas processing plant.

During the negotiations, special attention was paid to the positive experience of cooperation with ENI in the implementation of projects in the field of renewable energy sources in Kazakhstan, in particular, the commissioning of the Badamsha-1 and Badamsha-2 wind power plants in the Aktobe region and the Shaulder solar power plant in the Turkestan region.

"In the coming period, work will be aimed at the joint construction of a hybrid combined power plant operating on renewable energy sources and natural gas with a total capacity of 247 MW in the Mangistau region This will eliminate the risks of emergency shutdowns in production," the press release notes.

The prime minister emphasized the importance of increasing the share of local content in the purchase of goods, works and services during the implementation of projects in Karachaganak and Kashagan.

Eni has been present in Kazakhstan since 1992. Eni is joint operator of the Karachaganak field and is an equity partner in various projects in the Northern Caspian Sea, including the giant Kashagan field. In 2017 Eni became a joint operator in the exploration block Isatay, together with National Company KazMunayGas.