BAUYRZHAN BEKTUROV: “Energy is the real basis of life”

I got an interest in energy in high school. I was always drawn to technology, I loved to figure out how equipment, electricity, control systems work. As a child, I dreamed of becoming an engineer or a person who controls technology – I have always been interested in how different devices, machines, mechanisms work. I loved to disassemble electronics, I tried to fix something at home, I was interested in how electricity works and where the light in the light bulb comes from.

The final choice of profession occurred when I learned about the direction of the APCS (Automated Process Control System) – the combination of programming, electronics and work with real equipment seemed to me very interesting and promising. This is what is really needed in production, and what will be in demand for a long time. And a little later I realized that energy is not just an interesting technical sphere, but the real basis of life: the work of enterprises, lighting cities, comfort in homes depend on it.

Energy is a key infrastructure industry. Without electricity, heat, normal operation of networks, the city and industry cannot function. This gives the profession significance and respect. As well as our company: today AlES JSC is the largest producer of electric and thermal energy in the southern region of Kazakhstan. Its peculiarity lies in the variety of energy sources and objects used.

Therefore, energy specialists are always in demand: everyone needs light, heat and electricity everywhere. This is one of the most stable industries for a career. I was finally convinced of this when in September 2010, already as a young specialist, I crossed the threshold of the station. Then and now I, an energy industry with 15 years of experience in the industry, am impressed by the size and power of power plants. Turbines, transformers, control panels – everything seems gigantic and complex. It evokes respect and a little bit more awe.

This is despite the fact that I have long mastered the objects of generation, distribution, automation and accounting of energy resources, I have experience in technical, engineering and leadership positions.

At first, the station seemed to me very large and complex – many workshops, equipment, shields and control systems. But thanks to the support of experienced colleagues and good adaptation, I quickly got up to speed. In a short time he mastered complex areas of equipment and received admission to responsible types of work. And soon he was able to participate in projects for modernization, digitalization and the introduction of automated control systems. It is interesting for me to work when a new substation, workshop or automated control system is being launched – this is always a stressful, but very exciting part of the work. You feel that you are in the center of events, and the success of the entire project depends on your actions.

But my current knowledge and experience is not the limit of skill. I continue to study, comprehend new facets of the profession. Now I would like to master the direction of APCS – automated process control systems. This is one of the most popular and promising skills in the energy sector and industry in general. Especially in Kazakhstan, where there is an active digitalization of energy, production and production facilities.

If we talk about today, then my workman begins with checking the condition of automation systems and equipment. My responsibilities include monitoring the correct operation of software and hardware, maintaining equipment, as well as promptly responding to malfunctions, monitoring and maintaining the stable operation of ACS in production, diagnosing and troubleshooting SCADA, PLC and HMI systems.

It is very important for me in the work of the team that everyone knows their job, so that they can help their colleague and be responsible for their area of work. In the energy sector, much depends on the coherence of actions between engineers, dispatchers, and service personnel. This forms a real professional environment where everyone knows that they are counting on him. Then the whole system works reliably and efficiently. I am glad that we have just such a team: every employee knows that his actions affect the operation of equipment, the stability of energy supply, and ultimately the lives of thousands of people. Since responsibility is part of our professional culture.

There are no “little things” in the energy sector – an error can lead to a shutdown, equipment failure or a threat to people. A good power engineer is always: attentive to tasks, does not “let go” even routine tasks, does the work to the end and carefully checks the result. Therefore, control and self-control are so important. I made it a rule to evaluate once a week what worked, where there were losses of time, what tasks could be solved faster or not taken at all. This helps to increase efficiency and not overload yourself.

But difficult situations also happen in our work. And this is a serious test of the professionalism of the staff. One of these cases occurred during my practice at the power facility of substation CHPP-1. On one of the working days, we noticed incorrect operation of the temperature sensors, which were responsible for monitoring the overheating of the equipment. This could be attributed to a failure, but I decided to check the signal parameters on the spot. After measuring and analyzing the circuit, it became clear that the reason was the weakening of the contact in the terminal box, due to which the data was distorted.

I proposed to carry out preventive cleaning and tightening of the connections, after which the parameters returned to normal. Thanks to the quick response, we prevented a potential emergency stop of the equipment, and after that the engineer who oversaw us said: “It’s good that you didn’t pass by – this is the approach of a professional.” And I am still proud of this assessment.

In general, the profession of energy, especially when it comes to working with high-voltage equipment, electrical installations, control panels and automation systems, is associated with increased danger. Here, any mistake or carelessness can lead to serious consequences – from injuries to fire or production stoppage. Therefore, at the workplace, it is always necessary to strictly observe safety and labor protection. And this sense of responsibility and significance of work is that the station – from the turbine to the sensor – is a “living organism”, most of all I like in the profession of energy. Every element is important here, here you always feel the dynamics, responsibility and meaning of your work.

I also like that the profession is technically complex and constantly developing, so there is always something to learn, where to grow. And I really appreciate the practical orientation of the work. It requires both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. And I dream of becoming such a professional who is trusted with the most complex tasks: setting up equipment, launching substations, eliminating accidents, managing a team, introducing new technologies, and being responsible for strategic decisions.

If I was assigned a task, I will definitely complete it. In the energy sector, one cannot treat the matter “as it turns out” – reliability, discipline and attention to detail are important here. I’m used to completing everything, even if it’s difficult or urgent. But I do not set a goal to be an example, I just try to work so that colleagues can rely on me. If one of the junior specialists or interns learns something from me, then I am doing everything right. I believe that an example is not words, but actions: how you work, how you behave in a team, how you react to difficulties.

Energy is an area where the cost of error can be very high. No speed, no task – according to the principle: “urgently needed” – is not worth the life or health of people. Therefore, if there is a young specialist nearby, you cannot repel him, you need to teach him, share his experience because someone once taught us. Energy rests on the shoulders of living people: those who in winter in the snow, in summer in the heat, at three in the morning or at rush hour are responsible for uninterrupted work, for safety, for light and heat.

For me, the main people in life have always been and remain parents who, not in words, but in deeds, taught how to work, how to keep my word, how to relate to people and family. And over the years, I began to appreciate more and more the advice of my father: “Do your job – quietly, honestly and to the end. And never look for easy ways.” The advice is simple, but it always works: it taught me not to rush for a quick result, but to build everything on a solid foundation: knowledge, experience and responsibility. Since then, I always try to work with full dedication, without further ado, because in life it is not promises that are valued, but actions.

My father was not an engineer or a boss, but he taught me the important things from childhood: to be responsible, not to be afraid of work, to keep my word and respect others. I also learned a lot from my more experienced colleagues. Such people do not say much, but if you listen carefully, you can get an experience in one day that others need years. It was from them that I learned to rely on experience, calmness and knowledge of regulations, not to panic, to act clearly and in stages. Even in emergency or abnormal conditions, there are always algorithms and logic that help you quickly figure it out.

It is important for me that at work there is respect and confidence in the future, and in life – there are always healthy and happy loved ones. I want children to look at me with respect, and colleagues know that they can rely. And, of course, the main thing is to do your job with your conscience so that you are not ashamed either in front of yourself or in front of others.

… When I got a job at the station and started working in my specialty, I felt that this was exactly what I was going to. If I had to start over, I would again choose a profession related to energy. The opportunity to realize myself, to be useful, to earn honest work – for me this is a real gift of fate and if we talk about personal, then, of course, family and children. This is not just a gift of life – this is the meaning. No technique, no material things can compare with the moments when your child first says: “Daddy, I’m proud of you!”