QAZAQ GREEN.  On 8 June, in celebration of the third anniversary of the Zhetysu region’s founding, the region commissioned its 18th renewable energy facility — a 26 MW hydropower plant. According to the regional akimat’s press service, the launch of the new HPP has attracted over 10 billion tenge in private investment and created more than 20 permanent jobs.

The launch ceremony for the Kora River HPP-3, located in the Eskeldinsky District, opened with a short documentary on the construction process, followed by a video address from Sungat Yessimkhanov, Deputy Minister of Energy of Kazakhstan. Regional Deputy Governor Asset Kanagatov also congratulated attendees on both the region’s anniversary and the commissioning of the new power station.

“The development of this modern hydropower plant on the Kora River is part of Kazakhstan’s broader strategy to strengthen the energy sector. Hydropower plays a critical role in ensuring national energy security and helps the country move toward its emissions reduction goals. This new facility is not only a reliable energy source, but also a meaningful step toward environmental sustainability,” said Kanagatov.

Representatives from the companies behind the project — M. Tukenov, Director of Kora HPP-2 LLP, and A. Sychev, General Director of ASPMK-519 LLP — emphasized the importance of collaboration between local authorities and the private sector. Sychev also announced a social initiative: “To mark both the region’s anniversary and Kurban Ait, we are allocating 50 million tenge to renovate the park in Tekeli. It’s important to remember that business also carries social responsibility.”

Ilyas Khamitov, head of the new hydropower plant, shared that the project was fully financed through 10.5 billion tenge in private investments. The plant currently operates with 21 permanent staff and uses Austrian-made hydroelectric units. “The plant runs around the clock in two shifts, with processes largely automated. Austrian experts remotely monitor the system under a two-year service agreement, but in the future, our own team will handle all operations independently. The facility will meet growing electricity demand, improve grid reliability and power quality, and have a positive environmental and social impact,” he said.

One of the plant’s young specialists, Askhat Khamitov, spoke about his experience:
“I’m from Tekeli and graduated from the local vocational college. I was hired by Kora HPP-2 LLP right after graduation and have been working here for a year. I'm proud to have found a job in my field, close to home. As a hydro installation mechanic, I’m gaining hands-on experience and learning every day.”

Currently, the Zhetysu region operates 17 renewable energy facilities with a combined installed capacity of 225.4 MW across several districts — Aksu, Sarkan, Alakol, Yeskeldi, Karatal — and the city of Tekeli. The new Kora HPP-3 is the 18th such facility. Two additional hydropower projects, with a combined capacity of 20.6 MW, are expected to be completed by year-end.

Since the beginning of 2025, Zhetysu has produced 247.3 million kWh of electricity, including 191.8 million kWh from renewable sources — a 16% increase compared to the same period last year.