Energy theory meets practice: researchers from Central Asia learn about thermal power plant and hydroelectric power plant of AlES JSC
On 16 June 2025, a group of students, postgraduates and young researchers from Central Asian countries visited the key energy facilities of AlES JSC as part of an educational trip: the Kapshagai Hydroelectric Power Plant named after Sh.Chokin and the CHPP-2 named after A.Zhakutov. The visits were organized with the assistance of the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the support of the German Foreign Ministry. The aim of the trip was to study best practices in the use of renewable and non-renewable energy sources and to apply these knowledge in future scientific and applied projects.
First, the young researchers visited the Kapshagai HPP named after Sh.Chokin, a renewable energy facility. From the very first minutes, the students were struck by the view of the reservoir and then by the clear organizational structure of the plant.
“We got to see three operating vertical turbines and learned how quickly a backup turbine can be put into operation – it takes just a minute. We were impressed by the figures: at the current water level, the capacity is 192 MW, and the installed capacity is 364 MW,” said Aydana Kabulova, a member of the group.
The tour of the hydroelectric power plant was a practical continuation of the academic courses on hydropower and sustainable development. The participants compared the principles of operation of thermal and hydroelectric power plants, noting the main differences and advantages of each source.
Later, the participants visited the Almaty CHPP-2 named after A.Zhakutov. Sergey Tabakaev, head of the Production and Technical Department, welcomed the participants. He gave an interesting tour, during which he showed the operation of control panels, cooling units, turbines and generators. The participants were particularly interested in details about the history of the plant, its operating technology, control systems, emissions, fuel and water sources, and working conditions for personnel.
“I really liked that we received comprehensive and detailed answers to all of our questions. This was not just a tour, but a real professional consultation,” noted participant Maxim Derbenko.
One of the key topics was getting acquainted with the construction of new combined cycle gas turbine plants. Participating students were told in detail about the planned transition from coal to gas, the environmental benefits and technological differences of the future plant.
Master’s student Nazira Muzafarova from Bishkek emphasized:
“The organization of the excursion was top-notch. We saw all the key elements of the CHPP’s performance and felt the scale and importance of each production unit. It was a powerful professional experience”.
Such trips are not just excursions, but an element of academic training and scientific immersion. They help future energy specialists understand the real logic of how large power plants work, ask precise questions, and build a practical vision of sustainable solutions.
AlES JSC actively shares its experience, providing young specialists from Central Asia with the opportunity to study and use the knowledge they have gained in their own projects, from scientific research to modernization programs in the region.