Astana Hosts Acceleration Session on Stimulating Investments in Construction of Pumped-Storage Power Plants

Astana Hosts Acceleration Session on Stimulating Investments in Construction of Pumped-Storage Power Plants

Astana, October 10, 2025 – The Investment Committee of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, together with JSC “NC Kazakh Invest,” held an acceleration session dedicated to the development of pumped-storage power plants (PSPPs) and stimulating investment in the country’s energy infrastructure.

The purpose of the event was to identify systemic barriers hindering the implementation of investment projects in the PSPP sector and to develop concrete proposals for improving the regulatory and institutional framework.

The session was attended by representatives of government bodies and businesses, including the ministries of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Ecology and Natural Resources, JSC “Samruk-Energo,” “KEGOC,” the “Atameken” National Chamber of Entrepreneurs, JSC “Qazaqstan Investment Corporation,” and others.

From the international side, experts from PowerChina and China Southern Power Grid International (CSGI) participated, presenting proposals for introducing advanced technologies and international best practices in the PSPP sector.

Opening the event, Chairman of the Investment Committee of the MFA of Kazakhstan Gabidulla Ospankulov emphasized the strategic importance of developing pumped-storage capacities for Kazakhstan: “The implementation of pumped-storage power plant projects is an important direction for Kazakhstan’s energy development. Such facilities help effectively balance electricity generation and consumption, enhancing the reliability and flexibility of the national energy system. We are ready to work jointly with international partners and investors to promote these initiatives,” he stated.

During the discussion, it was noted that, according to the National Digital Investment Platform (NDIP), 88 investment projects worth about 26 trillion tenge are being implemented in the energy sector, creating more than 7,000 jobs.

Particular attention was paid to projects involving foreign partners, including agreements between JSC “Samruk-Energo” and China Southern Power Grid on the joint development of a pumped-storage power plant project.

As part of the acceleration, working groups were formed with the participation of representatives from ministries, national companies, and investors. Practical issues were discussed – from site selection and design to tariff-setting mechanisms, investment return, and the provision of state guarantees. The participants developed proposals to be submitted for consideration to the relevant sectoral government bodies.

Representatives of PowerChina and CSGI shared their experience in implementing large PSPP projects in China, noting that the development of energy storage systems is an essential condition for integrating renewable sources and achieving carbon neutrality.

At the end of the session, it was emphasized that the construction of PSPPs in Kazakhstan will become a key element of the energy transition, ensuring the stability of the power system and enabling the safe integration of renewable and nuclear generation.

JSC “NC Kazakh Invest” will continue to support the proposed initiatives and coordinate work with investors, further promoting projects in the hydropower sector.