QAZAQ GREEN. The construction of a plant for the production of components for wind power plants (WPPs) has started in Shu district of the Zhambyl region, according to the regional Akimat. This facility, a first of its kind in Central Asia, aims to enhance Kazakhstan's renewable energy infrastructure.

A groundbreaking ceremony for the plant took place, attended by prominent figures including Yerbol Karashukeyev, Akim of Zhambyl region; Ilyas Bakytzhan, Vice-Minister of Energy of Kazakhstan; Nurlan Zhakupov, Chairman of the Board of Samruk-Kazyna JSC; Jiang Wei, Consul General of China in Almaty; and Zhou Fugui, Executive President of Sany Renewable Energy.

The plant will be located within the "Jibek Joly" special economic zone and developed through a partnership between the Chinese company Sany Renewable Energy and Samruk-Kazyna Invest LLP. The total investment for the project amounts to 53.6 billion tenge, with the facility expected to be operational by the end of 2025. The plant is set to create approximately 300 new jobs and will have a production capacity of 2 GW in wind power equipment, catering to both domestic needs and export demands.

The broader investment landscape of the Zhambyl region includes 80 projects valued at 3.3 trillion tenge, which are projected to generate 6,362 jobs. Among these, 12 major initiatives worth 1.6 trillion tenge are currently under development, expected to create 4,500 positions. In 2024, plans include the implementation of 35 projects worth 214 billion tenge, generating 1,453 jobs, while 20 projects valued at 146.7 billion tenge have already launched, providing 674 jobs.

Zhambyl region stands as a national leader in renewable energy development, hosting 22 renewable energy facilities with a combined capacity of 571.3 MW. These include six hydroelectric plants (24.4 MW), 10 wind power plants (275.6 MW), and six solar power plants (251.25 MW). In the first ten months of 2024, these facilities produced 588.4 million kWh of electricity. Future plans, in collaboration with international companies, involve constructing large wind power plants in Moyinkum, Talas, and Sarysu districts.

During his visit, the regional Akim also reviewed ongoing developments within the Jibek Joly FEZ, including the construction of enterprises such as Taraz Gelatin (gelatin, soap, and leather processing), JVictorNewEnergy (silicon production), and Kazakhstan Hydrogen Peroxide (hydrogen peroxide production). In total, 19 projects are planned within the FEZ, with three enterprises already operational and construction underway for seven more.