The renovated plant (rendering) will significantly reduce harmful emissions and provide cleaner and more stable energy supply to the residents of Almaty
At the beginning of July, Kazakhstan became the center of significant business decisions on an international cooperation level. One of the priority areas was the Kazakh-Chinese partnership. Within this field a number of strategic documents were signed with representatives of major Chinese companies. One of these companies is POWERCHINA (Power Construction Corporation of China), which specializes in the construction of energy and infrastructure facilities. The company operates actively in various countries worldwide, including Kazakhstan. Editors from DKnews interviewed corporation representatives to learn about their plans for developing the Kazakh market, upcoming projects in the country, and their potential impact on the local community and regional economy.
Why is POWERCHINA interested in the Kazakhstan market? Can you tell us about the main points where the interests of Kazakhstan and the company intersect?
Mr. Chen Guanfu, President of POWERCHINA Overseas Department and Chairman of POWERCHINA International, answering our question, noted:
As the global energy landscape evolves, the world is entering a new phase of energy transition. Developing new energy sources has become a shared mission for the international community. In this context, POWERCHINA aims to promote the global development of clean energy through technological innovations and international cooperation.
Our ambition to become a global leader in green energy industries is demonstrated through our commitment to assisting countries in achieving sustainable development goals. Kazakhstan, with its abundant resources and strategic geographic location, stands as a pivotal partner in the «Belt and Road» initiative. Our clean energy strategy and expertise align seamlessly with Kazakhstan's energy transition goals, enabling us to collaborate towards a greener and more sustainable future together.
The modernization (coal to gas conversion) of the Almaty CHP-2 project officially commenced on July 1st
Moreover, Kazakhstan has historically set an example for all Central Asian countries. Building on our successful cooperation with Kazakhstan, we aim to establish a model of green development that other countries in the region can emulate to promote clean energy.
The development of China and Kazakhstan is highly complementary. Besides the energy and power sectors, POWERCHINA is also willing to contribute to Kazakhstan's industrial development, enhance transportation connectivity between the two countries, and promote the development of Kazakhstan's agriculture and livestock industries. We hope to establish our projects as a flagship of cooperation between the two countries, continuously strengthening and supporting our partnership to foster robust and productive engagements.
Mr. Tan Xiaofeng, Vice President of POWERCHINA Eurasia stated:
Through cooperation in hydropower, electric power, and new energy sectors, both parties share common goals in promoting economic growth and environmental protection. POWERCHINA's projects will enhance the stability of Kazakhstan's energy supply, create job opportunities, and foster local economic development. We also plan to strengthen cooperation in training and capacity building, helping Kazakhstan cultivate local professionals and promoting deeper economic and social integration between the two countries. These collaborations will not only improve project efficiency and environmental standards but also achieve common sustainable development goals.
At the seventh meeting of the China-Kazakhstan Entrepreneurs Committee in Astana on July 2, POWERCHINA signed new projects totaling US$165 million in Kazakhstan. When asked about key projects planned for implementation, Mr. Chen Guanfu highlighted sectors including agriculture, clean energy, and mining.
These projects align with our strategic goals and will help Kazakhstan achieve its economic diversification and sustainable development objectives. Through these projects, we aim to further consolidate China-Kazakhstan cooperation in clean energy and infrastructure construction.
Mr. Tan Xiaofeng explained in more detail:
Plans include a 10,000-cow dairy farm project, a 20MW PV project, and a 450,000-tonne manganese ore project.
Once completed, the 10,000-cow dairy project will become Kazakhstan’s first modern livestock complex of this scale, setting an example for improving the production level and efficiency of Kazakhstan's livestock industry. It will play a significant role in promoting Sino-Kazakh agricultural cooperation.
The 20MW PV project is designed to benefit local livelihoods by providing a stable and clean power source to local residents, boosting local employment. During construction, we will use locally produced photovoltaic brackets and other equipment as much as possible to stimulate local industry and economic development.
Continuing the theme of the impact that POWERCHINA projects on local communities and the regional economy, Mr. Chen Guanfu emphasized that all planned initiatives are designed not only to enhance local infrastructure and stimulate related industries but also to generate new employment opportunities.
Mr. Tan Xiaofeng elaborated:
Based on our past completed projects, we have created over 5,000 jobs in Kazakhstan by prioritizing the hiring of local employees and providing job opportunities during the construction process. Currently, the Khromtau Wind Power Project, which is under construction, has already created about 300 jobs.
Additionally, in every project in Kazakhstan, POWERCHINA transfers China's advanced concepts and construction experience in the new energy sector to local employees, aiming to cultivate a team of skilled professionals for Kazakhstan. We not only provide on-site training but also send promising employees to China for further training.
In promoting energy projects, POWERCHINA actively participates in local infrastructure construction and community development, engaging in social welfare activities to contribute to community growth. For instance, in the Zhanatas wind power project, we renovated homes for several disadvantaged families and built facilities such as parks and outdoor pools to improve residents' quality of life.
The Zhanatas 100MW Wind Power Project is currently the largest wind power project in southern Kazakhstan. During the construction of this project, POWERCHINA renovated homes for several disadvantaged families and built facilities such as parks and outdoor pools to improve residents' quality of life
During the construction of the M36 highway in Kazakhstan, we quickly responded to flood damage by dispatching personnel and equipment to repair roads, restoring normalcy for affected residents.
In the Balkhash-Bureibaytal road project, we built roads for local villages and distributed Christmas gifts to children in orphanages, enhancing community cohesion and demonstrating POWERCHINA’s corporate social responsibility.
In 2023, POWERCHINA signed a contract to undertake a comprehensive modernization of Almaty CHP-2. The new gas station will be constructed on the current site, replacing coal as the primary fuel source.
Mr. Chen Guanfu introduced the additional planned changes and the anticipated impact of the facility's modernization.
The modernization of Almaty CHP-2 project is one of our key projects in Kazakhstan. By converting the existing coal-fired plant to a gas-fired plant, we aim to reduce carbon emissions and improve environmental quality. This project aligns with our sustainable development strategy and will provide cleaner and more stable energy supply to the local area. In addition to fuel conversion, we plan to introduce advanced environmental technologies such as natural gas impurity treatment processes before combustion, exhaust gas treatment processes, and systems for detecting waste gas, wastewater, noise, and dust. We will also use new low-noise electric tools to further improve energy efficiency and reduce pollutant emissions.
According to Mr. Tan Xiaofeng, the upgraded plant is expected to significantly reduce harmful emissions by approximately 44,000 tons per year.
In the initial stages, we will identify environmental factors and set specific environmental goals and management plans to ensure clean construction practices, energy conservation, and pollution prevention. Project waste will be converted into reusable materials to achieve resource recycling. To manage noise, we will use inverter welders, employ low-noise electric tools, and regularly maintain machinery. Additionally, we will schedule workers to operate high-noise equipment in shifts to minimize exposure.
During the preliminary design phase, we will optimize the thermal system to maximize energy transmission and utilization efficiency, reducing energy waste. During the plant's operation, we will employ advanced exhaust gas treatment technologies to minimize emissions.
The company acknowledges potential challenges in executing its ambitious plans. For instance, Mr. Chen Guanfu noted that simultaneous implementation of multiple projects may lead to shortages of local construction materials, while Kazakhstan's harsh climate could potentially cause delays in the construction process.
To overcome these challenges, the company plans to enhance communication and cooperation with local governments and communities, actively engage in public activities, analyze the needs of local residents, and foster friendly relations to ensure the smooth implementation of projects.
Mr. Tan Xiaofeng further explained:
In implementing projects, we foresee potential challenges, including project management, environmental protection, and coordination with local communities. In terms of specific measures, we will implement strict project management systems to ensure projects are completed on time and with high quality, make advance construction and procurement plans, and pre-stock sufficient building materials to address potential market supply To cope with the harsh climate, we have developed comprehensive construction organization models and will take measures to keep workers and equipment operating normally in cold environments. We will also introduce advanced environmental technologies to minimize environmental impact, use eco-friendly materials and equipment, promote green construction, and reduce pollutant emissions during the construction process. Through training and capacity building, we will help cultivate local professionals, enhance the localization of projects, and ensure their long-term sustainability.
