QAZAQ GREEN. Kazakhstan’s Zhetysu region is set to expand its regional renewable energy cluster with the construction of a cascade of five hydropower plants. The projects, planned on the Tentek and Yrgaity rivers, aim to enhance the resilience and reliability of the region’s energy system, reports Vestnik19.kz.

In the Alakol district, the development of alternative energy continues steadily. Following the commissioning of the EcoWatt AKA wind power plant in the Dostyk rural district—which produced 15.4 million kWh of electricity and generated products worth 3.3 billion tenge—the region is now moving on to hydropower projects.

Five land plots have been designated for the construction of the new hydropower plants. On the Tentek River, the projects will be carried out by Arai-Oil LLP, Yntalyzhan LLP, and Sun Volt LLP. In the Sapak rural district, construction is led by TK-Most-XXI LLP, while KazHydroEnergo LLP will begin work on the Yrgaity River. The commissioning of these facilities is expected to strengthen energy stability in the Alakol district and boost its industrial potential.

According to the Ministry of Energy of Kazakhstan, the country produced 123.1 billion kWh of electricity last year, against consumption of 124.6 billion kWh. Total installed capacity increased from 25.3 to 26.7 GW. While coal generation remains dominant, the shares of gas and renewable energy are noticeably growing.

Energy Minister Yerlan Akkenzhenov reported that over the past year, more than 770 MW of new capacity was added in Kazakhstan, including 163 MW from renewable energy projects. In the next five years, 68 energy projects with a total capacity of 6.7 GW are planned. By 2029, the country expects to achieve a balance between electricity production and consumption, creating export potential.

Experts note that by 2050, global energy demand is expected to grow by nearly 46% compared to 2020, requiring simultaneous development of both conventional and renewable energy sources.