Kazakhstan's Energy Ministry Outlines Strategic Shift to Deep Processing

An expanded meeting of the board of the Ministry of Energy, chaired by First Deputy Prime Minister Roman Sklyar, has defined the sector's key priorities. The gathering included representatives from the Presidential Administration, the Government Office, Parliament members, and leadership from national companies and subordinate organizations.

In his address, Roman Sklyar emphasized that the upcoming national referendum on constitutional amendments marks a significant stage in renewing the foundations of state development. He stated that energy security and rational use of natural resources are evolving from purely sectoral tasks into elements of a new constitutional model for the country's progress.

"In these conditions, a transition is required from a predominantly raw materials model to deep processing and the creation of high added value," noted the First Deputy Prime Minister.

Sklyar outlined specific priorities for the energy and oil & gas sectors. The core tasks include developing geological exploration to replenish hydrocarbon reserves, increasing local content, and strengthening oil refining capabilities. In this regard, instructions were given to begin developing a feasibility study for constructing a new oil refinery and expanding existing plants.

Projects for building a polyethylene plant in the Atyrau region and an alkylate production facility in Pavlodar remain under special control. The adoption of the "On Petrochemical Industry" bill is also highlighted as crucial for ensuring sustainable growth in processing and energy independence.

To meet growing demand for energy resources, objectives have been set to launch a 1 billion cubic meter gas processing plant at Kashagan this year and complete construction of a GPP in Zhanaozen by the end of 2027. Control over implementing the second line of the "Beineu – Bozoy – Shymkent" gas pipeline is also mandated.

The focus extends to accelerating the commissioning of new power generation capacities and modernizing existing stations. This includes completing combined-cycle gas turbine unit projects in Turkistan and upgrading Almaty's CHP-2 and CHP-3, as well as integrating the western energy zone with the country's Unified Power System.

Separate attention was given to a national project for coal generation development, transforming the industry through digital twins of energy facilities, and equipping oil depots with metering devices integrated into a unified system to eliminate shadow turnover of petroleum products.

In conclusion, Roman Sklyar stressed that the Ministry of Energy must concentrate efforts on ensuring national energy independence and maintaining strict control over investment project implementation. He underscored that developing the fuel and energy complex serves as the foundation for Kazakhstan's new economic model.