QAZAQ GREEN. Almaty region continues to strengthen its role as a national leader in the development of renewable energy. As of today, the region is home to 23 operational renewable energy facilities with a combined installed capacity of 328.1 MW. These include 8 hydroelectric power plants (HPPs) with a capacity of 25.78 MW, 9 wind power plants (WPPs) totaling 142 MW, and 6 solar power plants (SPPs) with a combined capacity of 160.365 MW, according to the regional Akimat.

Average electricity demand in the region ranges between 550 and 630 MW, reaching 608.4 MW in 2024. Of this, 303.31 MW is generated locally, including 62.36 MW from renewables — not counting large HPPs on the Ili and Charyn rivers. The remaining 305.09 MW is imported from other regions.

In 2024, a new 3 MW hydroelectric plant was commissioned in the Zhambyl district. The project attracted investments of 1.9 billion tenge and created five permanent jobs.

Two RES project auctions were also held this year. In the city of Konaev, Damona LLP won the tender to build a 100 MW solar power plant, scheduled for completion in 2026. A similar 20 MW solar project is being developed by Dala Solar LLP in Zhambyl district, with construction documentation currently underway and commissioning expected in 2026.

Looking ahead to 2025, the Ministry of Energy has scheduled two more auctions for solar projects in Konaev, with a total capacity of 40 MW.

Between 2023 and 2024, the regional Energy Department received applications from 20 potential investors for renewable energy projects with a combined capacity of approximately 1,400 MW. The projected total investment for these initiatives exceeds 1 trillion tenge.

However, the sector’s growth is constrained by the lack of guaranteed offtake for generated electricity — an issue that local authorities are currently unable to resolve. This uncertainty poses risks for project execution and deters large-scale investors from entering the market.

By 2030, 14 new renewable energy facilities are planned for construction in the region. These projects have successfully passed through the Ministry of Energy’s auction process and secured investors. The combined capacity of these facilities will be 184 MW, including a 100 MW solar plant, two bioelectric power stations totaling 9.4 MW, and 11 small hydroelectric plants with a combined capacity of 74.9 MW.

Aydyn Begimbekov, Head of the Energy Department of Almaty region, commented:
“Almaty region has significant potential for renewable energy development. Investor interest is strong, and our priority is to ensure transparent and predictable conditions for project implementation. It's vital not only to scale up generation but also to build reliable infrastructure that will enable the full integration of renewables into the broader energy system.”