Kazakhstan posts electricity surplus of 300 mln kWh in Jan-May

ASTANA. June 3 (Interfax) - Kazakhstan's electricity surplus, as the country plans to abandon imports from Russia in 2027, amounted to around 300 million kWh in 5M 2026, the Kazakh Energy Ministry said.

Generation reached 53.6 billion kWh in January-May, while consumption amounted to 53.3 billion kWh. A stable surplus indicates a balanced development of the power system, the stable operation of generating capacities, and reliable satisfaction of domestic demand, the ministry said.

According to the Energy Ministry's forecast, electricity generation in the country will amount to 126.5 billion kWh by the end of 2026.

This year, Kazakhstan plans to commission 2.6 GW of traditional and renewable energy capacity, including four gas power plants, the expansion of two existing power plants, as well as ten renewable energy facilities - four wind power plants, five solar power plants and one hydroelectric power plant. The implementation of these projects will make it possible to completely resolve the energy deficit in the country by the end of Q1 2027, and to ensure a sustainable surplus by 2029, the ministry said.

Deputy Energy Minister Sungat Yesimkhanov said in early May that Kazakhstan plans to phase out electricity imports from Russia in 2027. The country currently covers its electricity and capacity deficit through imports from Russia and Uzbekistan. The problem is worsened by aging generating facilities and power grids.

A member of the management board of Inter RAO, Alexandra Panina, previously said during a conference call with analysts and investors that the company is closely monitoring Kazakhstan's plans to abandon electricity imports from Russia starting in 2027. This year, Inter RAO is currently planning supplies at the level of 2025, she said.