Environmental responsibility, industrial safety, and long-term reliability are no longer optional priorities for the energy sector. In Kazakhstan, these principles are increasingly shaping how critical infrastructure is modernized and managed. A clear example of this shift is the recent completion of major infrastructure projects by KazTransOil, carried out in line with ESG principles at the Zhetybay and Karazhanbas oil pumping stations, DKNews.kz reports.
Rather than focusing solely on capacity and throughput, the projects aim to reduce environmental risks, strengthen industrial safety, and ensure the stable operation of the national oil transportation system for decades to come.
Zhetybay: Reducing Emissions Through Smarter Storage
At the Zhetybay oil pumping station, KazTransOil has commissioned a fully upgraded tank farm designed to ensure safe oil storage and transportation while minimizing environmental impact.
One of the key technological solutions implemented at the site is the use of floating pontoons inside storage tanks. This significantly reduces oil evaporation, helping to lower atmospheric emissions — a critical environmental concern for oil-producing regions.
The upgraded tank farm includes:
- two vertical steel tanks with a capacity of 10,000 cubic meters each;
- a foam-water fire suppression pumping station;
- two reinforced concrete fire-water storage tanks with a capacity of 1,000 cubic meters each;
- technological pipelines for oil intake and pumping.
In addition to the tanks themselves, the project included the construction and modernization of essential engineering systems such as power supply, lightning protection, lighting, and fire safety infrastructure. Together, these upgrades have substantially increased both the environmental and industrial safety levels of the station.
Karazhanbas: Energy Reliability as a Safety Factor
At the Karazhanbas oil pumping station, the focus was on strengthening the reliability of power supply — a critical factor for uninterrupted and safe industrial operations.
As part of the reconstruction, a modern power unit produced by a domestic manufacturer was installed, providing reliable backup power for key equipment. New lightning protection systems and energy-efficient lighting were also introduced.
The scope of work was extensive:
- 42 electric drives were replaced;
- new power and control cables with a total length of 152 kilometers were laid;
- newly constructed cable racks improved both safety and maintenance access.
These measures significantly reduced technological risks and enhanced the operational safety of the station.
Why ESG Matters for Oil Infrastructure
The modernization of Zhetybay and Karazhanbas demonstrates how ESG principles are moving from policy statements to practical implementation. Lower emissions, improved fire safety, reliable energy supply, and reduced operational risks all contribute to more resilient infrastructure.
For Kazakhstan’s oil transportation system, this approach means fewer environmental incidents, greater system stability, and higher confidence among stakeholders — from regulators and local communities to international partners.
A Strategic Shift, Not a One-Off Project
KazTransOil’s ESG-driven projects reflect a broader transformation in how national energy infrastructure is developed. Sustainability is no longer treated as a separate agenda but integrated directly into engineering, operations, and long-term planning.
As global energy markets place increasing emphasis on environmental performance and risk management, such projects position Kazakhstan’s oil transportation system to remain competitive, reliable, and aligned with international standards.
