QAZAQ GREEN. A new solar power plant is under construction in Kazakhstan’s Mangistau region, part of the country’s broader push to modernize its energy system with the help of Chinese partners. Located in a rural area near the village of Shetpe, the facility is being built by Chinese energy developers and is expected to play a key role in strengthening the energy infrastructure of western Kazakhstan, CGTN reports.

The project covers 44 hectares and represents an investment of approximately 5.68 billion tenge (about $11 million USD). The solar plant will be connected to the Western Kazakhstan power grid. During the construction phase, it has already created over 100 jobs, with 10 permanent positions planned once the plant becomes operational.

“The panels are installed near the Caspian Cement plant,” said Askar Akkulov, Deputy Head of the Mangistau region. “With long hours of sunlight here—up to 13 hours a day—it’s an ideal location. This project is one of the largest Chinese investments in our region.”

The plant is designed to generate 25 million kilowatt-hours of electricity per year, enough to supply around 6,000 households, exceeding the energy needs of the local population of under 17,000. According to project manager Zhang Peng, the facility will also reduce annual CO₂ emissions by approximately 2,500 tonnes. Construction is nearly complete, with 80% of the work finished. The plant is scheduled to begin operations by 30 September.

Environmentally conscious measures were incorporated into the design, including the use of oil-free cooling systems for the photovoltaic modules to minimize ecological impact.

The project is part of a growing portfolio of renewable energy initiatives in Kazakhstan. The country currently operates 48 solar power plants with a combined capacity of over 1,200 MW. Seven of these were built in cooperation with China, and two additional facilities are under construction.

“The Kazakhstan–China partnership now goes beyond equipment supply,” said Kazymukhan Amangaliyev, a representative of a Chinese solar panel supplier in Kazakhstan. “It includes joint infrastructure development, technology transfer, and job creation—especially in remote areas like Shetpe.”

As Kazakhstan continues to rely heavily on coal for electricity generation, the shift toward renewable energy is a critical part of its national energy strategy. Solar projects such as this one are helping the country reduce greenhouse gas emissions and diversify its energy mix with cleaner, more sustainable sources.