Kazakhstan plans to start building thermal power plants with Russia's Inter RAO in 2024-2025

ASTANA. May 28 (Interfax) - Kazakhstan plans to start building thermal power plants in partnership with Russia's Inter RAO in 2024-2025, Kazakh Energy Minister Almasadam Satkaliyev said.

"Yes, I confirm plans for the construction of a thermal power plant in Kokshetau in 2024," Satkaliyev told reporters on the sidelines of the government meeting. "Construction will commence in Kokshetau this year," he added.

Feasibility studies for thermal power plants in Semey and Ust-Kamenogorsk are also underway, with approval targeted by the end of the year and construction getting underway next year.

These plants, coal-fired with the ability to operate on gas fuel, are part of a cooperation agreement between Kazakhstan and Russia signed in April. Inter RAO - Export LLC and Samruk-Energo JSC are implementing the project.

A memorandum of cooperation, signed in November 2023, outlines plans for three thermal power plants, with Russia constructing them on a turnkey basis and investor funds being raised for construction.

The thermal power plants, located in Kokshetau, Semey, and Ust-Kamenogorsk, will have capacity of 240 MW, 360 MW, and 360 MW, respectively, and will primarily run on coal with the ability to switch to gas.