BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 31. The Government of
Kazakhstan has approved a Hydropower Development Plan through 2035
as part of efforts to diversify the country's power sector, the
government press service reported.


The relevant resolution was signed by Prime Minister Olzhas
Bektenov.


"The document establishes a unified long-term approach to
developing Kazakhstan's hydropower potential. Future projects will
take into account water resource availability, power system
requirements, technical capabilities, environmental restrictions
and conditions for attracting investment", the government said.


The plan includes 30 measures across six key areas, including
assessment of water balance and the energy potential of rivers,
creation of a unified database of planned facilities, preparation
of land plots, development of a pipeline of hydropower plants
(HPPs) and pumped-storage hydropower plants, as well as
strengthening human resources and scientific and technical
support.


The studies will help identify suitable locations, determine
parameters of future facilities and assess risks related to water
availability and environmental impact at an early stage. All
relevant information will be integrated into a digital platform
that will serve as a single data source for government agencies and
potential investors.







Under the plan, Kazakhstan aims to commission at least 500 MW of
new hydropower capacity by the end of 2030 as part of efforts to
expand generation capacity. The development of pumped-storage
hydropower plants will also be prioritized.


The introduction of new hydropower facilities is expected to
improve the reliability of regional power supplies and enhance the
stability of Kazakhstan's Unified Power System.


The selection of project sites will consider water balance and
environmental requirements to minimize the impact on
ecosystems.


The implementation of the plan will provide Kazakhstan with a
systematic framework for developing its hydropower potential - from
assessing water resources and selecting sites to training
specialists and launching specific projects.