The Deputy Minister of Energy of Kazakhstan, Sungat Yesimkhanov, has confirmed that Russian contractors will no longer participate in the construction of three thermal power plants (TPPs). A consortium comprising Kazakh and Singaporean firms will take over the project, with an expected operational date set for 2029.
Yesimkhanov stated that contracts for the construction of the TPPs in Kokshetau, Semey, and Ust-Kamenogorsk have already been signed. He emphasized, “EPC contracts have been signed for the three TPPs, and there are no Russian contractors involved. Kazakh companies will carry out the construction.”
The active phase of construction is slated to begin in the coming months. By May, the consortium plans to place orders for essential equipment, while engineering works and site preparations will proceed concurrently. Key components are anticipated to be delivered starting in the third quarter of 2027, leading up to the commissioning of the power stations in 2029.
Initially, these TPPs were to be built with Russian collaboration. Negotiations had been ongoing since 2023, but unresolved funding issues prompted Kazakhstan to pursue the projects independently.
Recently, Kazakhstan has shown a willingness to reassess its approach to traditionally sensitive issues in its relations with Russia. Notably, the proposed new constitution includes plans to modify the language regarding the status of the Russian language in the country.
The current provision states that Russian is used “on par” with Kazakh. The new wording aims to change this to “alongside Kazakh,” reflecting a gradual shift towards a stronger emphasis on national identity.
Kazakhstan has decided to exclude Russian contractors from the construction of three thermal power plants, opting for a Kazakh-Singaporean consortium instead. This move reflects a broader reassessment of Kazakhstan's relationship with Russia, including proposed changes to the status of the Russian language in the new constitution.