QAZAQ GREEN. NC KazMunayGas JSC (KMG) and Eni S.p.A. (Eni), Italian energy company, have begun construction of a hybrid power plant with a capacity of 247 MW in Zhanaozen, which will run on solar, wind and gas energy, reports KMG’s press office.

On July 16, an inauguration ceremony for the future hybrid power plant took place in Zhanaozen with the participation of Askhat Khassenov, the Chairman of the Management Board of NC KazMunayGas JSC, Seger Hoytink, Country Chair of Eni in Kazakhstan, Vice Minister of Energy Sungat Yessimkhanov, Chairman of the Committee on Ecology and Environmental Management of the Mazhilis of Parliament Yedil Zhanbyrshin and Deputy Akim of Mangystau region Abbat Orisbayev.

The hybrid project involves the combined generation of electricity from renewable energy sources (wind and solar), developed by Eni Plenitude, and a gas power plant to balance and to stabilize the electricity production, leveraging Eni’s international industrial expertise.

The capacity of the solar power plant will be 50 MW, wind power will be 77 MW, and gas power will be 120 MW. The hybrid power plant will ensure stable and reliable electricity supply to KMG's subsidiary companies in the region, including Ozenmunaygas and Kazakh gas processing plant. This will eliminate the risks of production shutdowns due to frequent power supply interruptions.

During the construction phase, up to 800 workers will be employed, and during operation, up to 70 personnel will be involved. The investment will be provided by KMG and Eni on a parity basis.

The project also contributes to the implementation of KMG's decarbonization strategy and reduction of its carbon footprint in line with the company's strategic goals. Approximately 40% of all electricity produced by the hybrid project will be fully "green," significantly reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

"Such a hybrid project will be implemented in Kazakhstan for the first time. The hybrid power plant will ensure stable and reliable electricity supply to KMG's oil-producing companies and the gas processing plant in the region. The project leverages Eni's international industrial experience and represents an innovative combination of various technologies. It is also aimed at diversifying and decarbonizing the energy supply in the Mangystau region. Additionally, the project will create new employment opportunities for highly skilled professionals in the region," noted Askhat Khassenov, the Head of KMG.