China to Build Waste-to-Energy Plant in Almaty

A new waste-to-energy plant is set to be built in Almaty, with Chinese investment and technology, Orda.kz reports.

The project was presented during a meeting between Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov and Long Jisheng, Chair of the Board of Shanghai SUS Environment Co., Ltd.

The proposed facility will be able to process up to 2,000 tons of waste per day and generate up to 60 megawatts of electricity. The Chinese company plans to invest $270 million in its construction.

According to the Almaty Akimat, the new facility will enable the city to process up to 80% of its solid household waste by 2029.

Long Jisheng emphasized that his company controls around 40% of China’s waste recycling market and that the technologies it offers meet the highest international environmental safety standards.

In response, Prime Minister Bektenov instructed the Almaty Akimat to prepare a draft investment agreement within two weeks, with construction scheduled to begin in June 2025.

Our country generates more than 4.5 million tons of municipal waste annually. Therefore, the construction of a waste processing plant is a necessary project. Environmentally friendly waste disposal combined with electricity generation will be an important stage in the development of recycling. The government supports this initiative and is ready to provide the necessary assistance,said Bektenov. 

The project is expected to create 500 jobs, with 100 permanent positions. Chinese investors noted that local specialists will be prioritized during the hiring process.

This announcement follows recent news that a Chinese company will also build a new water supply system in Astana.

Original Author: Aliya Askarova