Improving Energy Reliability in Western Kazakhstan to Reduce Consumer Disconnection Risks
KEGOC Expands Power Grid in Western Kazakhstan, Increases Network Capacity
The Kazakhstan Electricity Grid Operating Company (KEGOC) has recently completed the construction of five 220-kilovolt power transmission lines along the West Kazakhstan Power Hub – Atyrau – Mangystau route. These new transmission lines, with a total length of approximately 780 kilometers, aim to increase the network capacity and enhance the reliability of power supply to consumers in western Kazakhstan.
The project involved the installation of over 4,200 electric poles, the expansion of substations in Uralskaya, Pravoberezhnaya, Inder, Kulsary, and Tengiz, and the introduction of a new distribution substation, Karabatan. As a result of these efforts, the electric network’s capacity has been significantly increased from 100 to 200 megawatts on the West Kazakhstan Power Hub – Atyrau section and from 50 to 200 megawatts on the Atyrau – Mangystau section.
Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov, who participated in the official launching ceremony via teleconference, emphasized that this achievement will allow for a doubling of the capacity of electric networks and a substantial reduction in cases of consumer disconnection in western Kazakhstan, particularly during emergencies at the Mangystau Atomic Energy Complex (MAEC).
Notably, a 130-megawatt power unit of the MAEC was switched off on July 3, causing a blackout in the Mangystau and Atyrau regions. However, thanks to the KEGOC staff’s quick response, regular operation was resumed in the shortest possible time.
The reinforcement of the Western power grid has laid the foundation for its future integration into Kazakhstan’s unified power system. KEGOC Chairman Nabi Aitzhanov highlighted that the modern power grid equipment used during construction is characterized by high performance. Additionally, over 68% of the materials used in the construction work, including metal and reinforced concrete supports, wires, insulators, and transformers, were sourced domestically.
Overall, the completion of the new power transmission lines and substations represents a significant milestone in enhancing the energy infrastructure in western Kazakhstan, ensuring a more reliable and resilient power supply for consumers in the region.
