KEGOC Outlines Major Grid Modernization Projects Through 2035 at Samruq-Qazyna Public Council Meeting

This past week, Kazakhstan’s national grid operator KEGOC presented key projects to upgrade the country’s energy infrastructure. The company reviewed its 2024 performance and shared long-term plans through 2035, Orda.kz reports.

Focus on Grid Expansion

A central theme of KEGOC CEO Nabi Aitzhanov’s address was the accelerated development of the National Electric Grid (NEG). He announced a series of major investment projects to expand capacity and integrate new generation sources, including nuclear and renewables.

One of such projects is to increase the transit potential and throughput capacity of the unified electric power system (UES) of Kazakhstan with the construction of the North-South DC line. The project will increase the throughput capacity of the North-South transit to 2,000 MW, as well as effectively integrate nuclear power plants and renewable energy sources. The project is scheduled for completion in 2029,
 said Aitzhanov.

Another major initiative is strengthening Astana’s external power supply by constructing a 500 kV digital substation set to become the city’s second external source. The feasibility study is underway, with completion expected in 2028. The project will also facilitate the integration of renewable energy into the capital’s grid.

The third strategic project is the West-South DC line, which will connect western and southern Kazakhstan and complete the unification of all regional energy zones into a single national ring.

Aitzhanov also noted that in 2025, KEGOC will invest 22.8 billion tenge to replace power autotransformers at key substations to meet growing electricity demand.

At the key substations of Zhetikara, Nura, Saryozek and Sastobe, the increase in installed capacity will amount to 860 megavolt-amperes. By the end of 2029, the modernization and replacement of power autotransformers at 18 facilities will increase capacity by 1,837 megavolt-amperes,
 he said.

Ongoing projects also include the construction of 500 kV transmission lines in the Southern Zone (475 km) and the integration of the Western Kazakhstan power system with the UES via a 500 kV, 604 km transmission line and new substations.

Strong Performance in 2024

KEGOC’s CEO reported robust growth for 2024, citing gains in service volume and financial results.

Electricity consumption in Kazakhstan increased by 4.3% over the year, and this was reflected in the volume of KEGOC services. The total volume of transmission and use of the National Electric Grid amounted to 93.9 billion kWh — 30% higher than in 2023. Financial results are another indicator of sustainability: the company's net profit reached 59.5 billion tenge, or +37.1% compared to last year. In 2025, growth of another 11% is expected,
 Aitzhanov stated.

He also emphasized the company’s standing within the Samruq-Qazyna group, noting KEGOC’s top-3 position in the social stability rating. According to S&P, KEGOC’s ESG rating currently stands at 55 points and is improving.

The company has digitized 49% of its internal processes and aims to reach 90% by 2032 through ongoing automation and AI implementation.

Sector-Wide Transformation

In the context of growing energy consumption and rapid development of generation, especially renewable, the reliability and technological advancement of the grid come to the fore. KEGOC is at the center of this transformation and forms the basis of the country's future energy system,
 said Yelzhas Otynshiyev, Managing Director of Samruq-Qazyna JSC.

The public council gave a generally positive assessment of KEGOC’s performance, highlighting the strategic importance of its infrastructure projects. Council members proposed improving coordination with regional governments, expanding workforce development initiatives, and scaling up digital technologies.

KEGOC representatives stated they are prepared to consider these recommendations in future activities.

Original Author: Anastasia Prilepskaya