Kazakhstan Launches National Project to Modernize Utilities and Energy Sectors

Astana, The Gulf Observer: Kazakhstan has commenced the practical implementation of its national project aimed at modernizing the utilities and energy sectors, Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev announced, according to media reports. The large-scale initiative is set to attract significant investments, introduce pilot projects, and advance digitalization of key processes.

Bozumbayev noted that preliminary estimates place the investment needs at over 13 trillion tenge for the repair and construction of 86,000 kilometers of utility networks and the addition of 7.3 gigawatts of energy capacity over the next five years and beyond.

He stressed that the regulatory framework required to ensure barrier-free access to long-term and affordable financing from financial institutions has already been established. “Kazakhstan has moved forward with implementing this national project,” he said, adding that 144 billion tenge will be invested this year across 48 natural monopoly entities.

The project’s main objectives include the modernization and construction of energy and utilities infrastructure, digitalization of business processes, and the development of domestic production to reduce import dependence. Bozumbayev highlighted that these efforts will also create new jobs and increase tax revenues for the state budget.

As part of the rollout, Kazakhstan has already approved 48 pilot projects under the program. This year, 22.5 billion tenge has been allocated for the development of 10 pilot initiatives in Karaganda, Pavlodar, West Kazakhstan, and North Kazakhstan regions, focusing on the modernization of heating, water supply, water treatment, and power supply facilities.