KazMunayGas JSC and the Italian energy company Eni S.p.A. have initiated the construction of a hybrid power plant in Zhanaozen with a 247 MW capacity, utilizing solar, wind, and gas energy sources.

Source: KazMunayGas

An inauguration ceremony for the upcoming hybrid power plant was held on July 16 in Zhanaozen. The event was attended by Askhat Khassenov, the Chairman of the Management Board of NC KazMunayGas JSC, Seger Hoytink, Country Chair of Eni in Kazakhstan, Vice Minister of Energy Sungat Yessimkhanov, Chairman of the Committee on Ecology and Environmental Management of the Mazhilis of Parliament Yedil Zhanbyrshin, and Deputy Akim of Mangystau region Abbat Orisbayev.

The project combines electricity generation from renewable sources (wind and solar) developed by Eni Plenitude, along with a gas power plant to ensure stability and balance in electricity production, leveraging Eni's global industrial expertise.

The solar power plant will have a capacity of 50 MW, the wind power plant 77 MW, and the gas power plant 120 MW. This hybrid facility will provide consistent and reliable electricity to KMG's subsidiary companies in the region, such as Ozenmunaygas and the Kazakh gas processing plant, mitigating the risks of production disruptions caused by frequent power outages.

During the construction phase, about 800 workers will be employed, with approximately 70 personnel involved in the operation phase. Both KMG and Eni will invest equally in the project.

Such a hybrid project will be implemented in Kazakhstan for the first time. The hybrid power plant will ensure stable and reliable electricity supply to KMG's oil-producing companies and the gas processing plant in the region. The project leverages Eni's international industrial experience and represents an innovative combination of various technologies. It is also aimed at diversifying and decarbonizing the energy supply in the Mangystau region. Additionally, the project will create new employment opportunities for highly skilled professionals in the region.

Askhat Khassenov, the Head of KMG

Additionally, the initiative aligns with KMG's decarbonization strategy, aiming to reduce the company's carbon footprint and achieve strategic objectives. Around 40% of the electricity generated by the hybrid project will be environmentally friendly, leading to a significant decrease in carbon dioxide emissions.