27.11.2025 Environmental activity of AlES JSC in 2024
The production activities of AlES JSC are aimed at minimizing environmental impact, rational use of natural resources and preservation of biodiversity.
AlES JSC acknowledges its responsibility to the concerned public for the rational use of natural resources and the preservation of a favorable environment, and guarantees the rational use of resources, a consistent reduction in environmental impact through the introduction of new, affordable, low-waste, environmentally safe technologies, equipment and materials, and the implementation of measures to ensure the preservation of biodiversity.
AlES JSC follows the principles of sustainable development, which it understands as a balanced and socially acceptable combination of economic growth and the preservation of a favorable environment for future generations.
Management of environmental management aspects
The environmental management system (hereinafter referred to as EMS) is an integral part of the corporate management system. The purpose of implementing and operating the EMS is to ensure compliance with environmental protection requirements by the production departments of AlES JSC as a result of their activities, as well as by contractors and subcontractors performing work and providing services on the territory of the production departments.
AlES JSC is constantly improving the EMS and directs all its efforts towards reducing the negative impact on the environment, including greenhouse gas emissions, emissions and discharges of pollutants, and the handling of production and consumption waste and industrial waste.
AlES JSC has defined the areas of implementation of its environmental policy as an integral part of the EMS:
– Ensuring compliance with the requirements of the current environmental legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan and corporate standards in the field of environmental protection;
– Continuous improvement of the environmental management system and ensuring its sustainable functioning;
– Technological re-equipment and gradual decommissioning of obsolete equipment, introduction of the best available technologies, improvement of production processes;
– Reduction of production waste and its disposal in the environment, safe handling of waste and implementation of industrial waste recycling projects;
– conducting an assessment of the impact of the planned activities of its production departments on the environment, the health of personnel and the population based on a comparison of alternative options;
– involving personnel in the implementation of measures to ensure environmental safety, developing the environmental culture of the organization’s employees by informing each employee of the environmental aspects of the organization’s activities and their impact on the environment.
AlES JSC has identified significant environmental aspects, on the basis of which environmental risks have been assessed and environmental objectives have been set, and programs of measures for environmental protection have been developed and implemented.
The following are recognized as relevant significant environmental aspects for AlES JSC: emissions into the atmosphere from main equipment, during fuel combustion in boiler units, and auxiliary equipment, during the main process of electricity and heat generation, as well as during the implementation of coal-fired power plant modernization and reconstruction projects, discharge of wastewater into surface water sources, disposal of ash and slag waste and temporary storage of production and consumption waste on the territory of production departments, harmful physical impacts and other environmental aspects indirectly affecting the main process of electricity generation.
In 2024, AlES JSC conducted quarterly internal audits of the EMS to monitor compliance with the regulatory legal acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan and regulatory and technical documents in the field of environmental protection, monitoring the state of the environment, identifying environmental aspects and assessing risks, eliminating non-conformities identified during previous audits, and implementing environmental protection measures.
Based on the results of the internal audit, corrective and preventive measures were developed to eliminate non-conformities, which were implemented in full.
Production environmental control and monitoring
On a quarterly basis, AlES JSC implements production environmental control programmes developed in accordance with the requirements of the Environmental Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan and designed to perform the following tasks:
– Obtaining operational information on the impact of basic and production processes on the environment;
– Implementing remedial and preventive measures and promptly response to emergency situations;
– Informing stakeholders (local population, state regulatory authorities, partner companies) about the company’s environmental activities and measures taken to reduce its environmental impact. As part of environmental control, observations are carried out on emissions into the environment – emissions into the atmosphere, discharges into receiving facilities, volumes of waste accumulation and disposal, as well as on the quality of environmental components – atmospheric air, surface and underground waters, soil at the boundary of sanitary protection zones of industrial enterprises.
In 2024, automated emission monitoring systems (hereinafter referred to as AMS) were installed at stationary emission sources of CHPP-1, CHPP-2, and ZTC.
Since 21 November 2024, average data from the ASM system has been transmitted every 20 minutes to the National Bank of Environmental Data of the Republic of Kazakhstan and monitored by the authorized environmental protection authority, data transmission for CHPP-2 is scheduled for the second half of 2025.
In 2024, a specialized organization conducted quarterly production environmental control, and the laboratories of CHPP-1, CHPP-2, CHPP-3, and ZTC carried out production environmental monitoring on an ongoing basis and systematic monitoring of the radiation background within the territory of the departments and in production premises, the results of which showed no exceedances of environmental pollution levels.
Greenhouse gas emissions
For the transparent implementation of environmental activities in 2024, AlES JSC carried out an inventory of greenhouse gas emissions at CHPP-1, CHPP-2, CHPP-3, and ZTC for the period of the National Plan (hereinafter referred to as the NP) for the Allocation of Greenhouse Gas Emission Quotas for 2022-2025. According to the NP, 6,094,365 thousand tons were issued to AlES JSC for 2024. In fact, in 2024, the volume of greenhouse gas emissions for the Company as a whole amounted to 5,619.0 thousand tons, of which: 447.5 thousand tons for the CHPP-1 named after B.Orazbayev; 3,717.3 thousand tons for the CHPP-2 named after A.Zhakutov; 1,225.9 thousand tons for the CHPP-3; and 228.3 thousand tons for the ZTC.
Greenhouse gas emissions in 2021–2024 (Scope 1)
| Greenhouse gas emissions by type | Units of measurement | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
| СО2 | Tons of СО2 | 5 868 940 | 5 675 899 | 5 787 876 | 5 619 013 |
| СН4 | Tons of СО2eqv | 1 406,1 | 1 200,2 | 1 389,9 | 1 345,876 |
| N2O | Tons of СО2eqv | 15 339,7 | 14 692,6 | 12 929,6 | 12 535,0 |
| Specific greenhouse gas emissions per income | Mln.t СО2-eqv/mln tenge | 0,00007 | 0,00007 | 0,00006 | 0,00004 |
The expected surplus of quotas relative to the carbon quota will amount to 493.3 thousand tons. In 2024, thanks to energy saving and energy efficiency measures, greenhouse gas emissions were reduced by 17.6 thousand tons overall.
Greenhouse gas emissions for 2024 were verified by the validation and verification body EKOSERVIS-S LLP, and the greenhouse gas inventory report was submitted to the authorized environmental protection authority within the established time frame and accepted without comment.
In accordance with the Action Plan for Environmental Management in the Samruk-Energy Group of Companies AlES JSC determined the amount of emissions of greenhouse gases such as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) and nitrogen trifluoride (NF3).
| Greenhouse gas emissions by type | Units of measurement | 2023 | 2024 |
| HFC | Tons | 116,2 | 133,9 |
| PFC | Tons | absent | absent |
| SF6 | Tons | absent | absent |
| NF3 | Tons | absent | absent |
As part of Scope 2, emissions from the production of purchased and consumed electricity, steam, heat or cooling are quantified. Since AlES JSC does not acquire electric and thermal energy, the volume of greenhouse gas emissions is not calculated by steam.
Carbon intensity of generation
As part of Coverage 1, the carbon intensity of generation in 2024 was calculated in comparison with the previous periods of 2021-2023. The volume of greenhouse gas emissions directly depends on the volume of burned fuel, fuel characteristics.
| № | Indicators | Units of measurement | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
| 1 | СО2 emissions | Tons | 5 868 940 | 5 675 899 | 5 787 877 | 5 619 013 |
| 2 | Electricity generation | MWh | 4 009 084 | 4 039 025 | 3 954 773 | 3 723 258 |
| 3 | Heat generation | Gcal | 5 825 875 | 5 550 462 | 5 851 848 | 6 083 619 |
| 4 | Specific CO2 emissions per unit of electricity generated | TСО2/MWh | 1,014 | 0,988 | 1,001 | 1,002 |
| 5 | Specific CO2 emissions per unit of heat generated | TСО2/Gcal | 0,310 | 0,304 | 0,312 | 0,310 |
Pollutant emissions
AlES JSC has undertaken obligations to reduce emissions of pollutants into the atmosphere during the production process by its manufacturing departments. The following environmental protection measures were implemented in 2024 to reduce emissions:
– Work was carried out to maintain the degree of purification of dust collectors;
– Repair and replacement of air heater cubes;
– Repair of boiler burners and emulsifiers;
– Measures were taken to increase efficiency;
– Violations in the technological cycle of boiler units were eliminated;
– Maintenance and adjustment work was carried out on boiler units and aspiration units at CHPP-1, 2, and 3.
In addition, in 2024, AlES JSC continued work on the implementation of projects to modernize and reconstruct Almaty CHPP-2 and CHPP-3. After the implementation of the projects, the reduction will be achieved through the use of natural gas in efficient gas turbine units, ensuring emissions of harmful substances into the atmosphere at the level required by the Republic of Kazakhstan for the introduction of the best available technologies.
The actual volume of emissions for AlES JSC as a whole in 2024 decreased by 3% compared to 2023 and amounted to 47,503 thousand tons, with a permitted volume of 56,153 thousand tons. For comparison, in 2023 it amounted to 48,861 thousand tons, with a permitted volume of 57,065 thousand tons, and in 2022 it amounted to 48,038 thousand tons, with a permitted volume of 59,891 thousand tons.
Volume of pollutant emissions in 2021–2024, thousand tons
| Pollutants | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
| NОx | 11,216 | 11,078 | 11,286 | 10,963 |
| SОx | 26,250 | 25,557 | 25,820 | 25,086 |
| Solid debris | 8,457 | 8,212 | 8,614 | 8,349 |
| СО | 3,152 | 3,115 | 3,095 | 3,019 |
| Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) | 0,023 | 0,032 | 0,035 | 0,050 |
| Other gaseous substances | 0,032 | 0,044 | 0,011 | 0,036 |
| Total | 49,130 | 48,038 | 48,861 | 47,503 |
| Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) | нет | нет | нет | нет |
| Hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) | 49,130 | 48,038 | 48,861 | 47,503 |
| Specific emissions g/kWh | 8,76 | 8,63 | 8,74 | 8,81 |
| Specific emissions of harmful substances relative to income | 0,00062 | 0,00056 | 0,00051 | 0,00038 |
CHPP-1
Emissions of pollutants into the atmosphere in 2024 amounted to 836,039 tons (including sudden emissions), with a permitted level of 1,436,466 tons. Gross emissions of pollutants into the atmosphere in the reporting year decreased by 68,524 tons (-8%), due to a 24% decrease in electricity generation in 2024 compared to 2023.
| Indicators | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
| Volume of emissions into the atmosphere, tons | 797,5 | 803,6 | 904,6 | 836,0 |
CHPP-2
Emissions of pollutants into the atmosphere in 2024 amounted to 36,188.0808 tons (including sudden emissions), with a permitted amount of 39,3999.0521 tons, ash and slag waste – 1,313,879 tons, with a permitted amount of 1,313,879 tons. Gross emissions of pollutants into the atmosphere in the reporting year decreased by 722 tons (-2%), which is due to a 2.1% decrease in electricity generation in 2024 compared to 2023.
| Indicators | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
| Volume of emissions into the atmosphere, tons | 35 898,687 | 35 037,990 | 36 909,985 | 36 188,081 |
CHPP-3
Emissions of pollutants into the atmosphere by the CHPP-3 department in 2024 amounted to 10,253.2733 tons (including sudden emissions), with a permitted amount of 14,017.8505 tons, ash and slag waste – 318,240 tons, with a permitted amount of 487,800 tons. Gross emissions of pollutants into the atmosphere in the reporting year decreased by 521 tons (-5%), which is due to a decrease in electricity generation in 2024 by 8% compared to 2023.
| Indicators | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
| Volume of emissions into the atmosphere, tons | 12 246,356 | 11 944,728 | 10 774,274 | 10 253,273 |
ZTC
Emissions of pollutants into the atmosphere from ZTC in 2024 amounted to 216,304 tons, with a permitted limit of 1,264.24 tons. Gross emissions of pollutants into the atmosphere in the reporting year decreased by 47 tons (-18%), which is due to a decrease in the concentration of nitrogen oxides in 2024 by 50 mg/nm3 compared to 2023.
| Indicators | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
| Volume of emissions into the atmosphere, tons | 178,589 | 243,012 | 262,968 | 216,304 |
Kapshagai HPP
Emissions of pollutants into the atmosphere from the Kapshagai HPP in 2024 amounted to 1.258 tons, with a permitted limit of 1.258 tons, while discharges of pollutants into surface waters from the Kapshagai HPP in 2023 amounted to 1.5564 tons, with a permitted limit of 3.485 tons. The volume of discharges increased by 0.03437 tons, which is due to an increase in the volume of normatively treated domestic wastewater discharges (water discharge №3) at the Kapshagai Hydroelectric Power Plant.
| Indicators | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
| Volume of emissions into the atmosphere, tons | 1,258 | 1,432 | 1,258 | 1,258 |
| Volume of emissions into water objects, tons | 1,526 | 1,535 | 1,522 | 1,556 |
Cascade HPP
Emissions of pollutants into the atmosphere from the Cascade Hydroelectric Power Plant in 2024 amounted to 1,699 tons and did not exceed the emission limit of 2,679 tons.
| Indicators | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
| Volume of emissions into the atmosphere, tons | 1,617 | 1,542 | 1,576 | 1,699 |
PRP “Energoremont”
Emissions of pollutants into the atmosphere from PRP Eneroremont in 2024 amounted to 5.9819 tons. The limit for gross emissions of pollutants into the atmosphere in the reporting year was not exceeded.
| Indicators | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
| Volume of emissions into the atmosphere, tons | 5,949 | 5,984 | 5,981 | 5,9819 |
Water resources
The main source of water supply for the departments of AlES JSC, CHPP-1, CHPP-2 and ZTC is the GKP at the Almaty Su water intake facility of the Almaty Energy and Water Supply Department (hereinafter referred to as Almaty Su).
To partially replace the raw water supplied by CHPP-1 for technological needs and CHPP-2 for desalinated water preparation, the company’s own water intake wells are operated, and technical water is also taken for CHPP-2 on the basis of a contract.
The drinking and household, industrial and technical water supply for CHPP-3 is provided by a departmental water intake from artesian wells. The CHPP-3 water intake consists of one single production well and five water intake clusters, each of which consists of two production wells. The depth of the production wells ranges from 200 to 300 m. In 2024, 11 wells were in operation.
For the Cascade HPP, the source of water supply for the needs of the electric power industry is the Big Almaty Lake and the basin of the Big Almatinka River. Domestic and drinking water supply for the Cascade HPP is carried out on the basis of a contract.
Water for electricity generation and technological needs of the Kapshagai HPP is taken from the Kapshagai reservoir, and water for domestic and industrial needs is taken from underground wells of the Nikolaev underground water deposit.
Calculation of water consumption and water disposal by departments of AlES JSC CHPP-1, CHPP-2, CHPP-3 and ZTC is carried out in accordance with the Individual Current Balance Norms for Water Consumption and Water Discharge, agreed upon by the Water Resources Committee of the Ministry of Ecology, Geology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The volumes of water intake from surface sources of the Kapshagai HPP, the Cascade HPP, and the own water intake of CHPP-1, CHPP-2 and CHPP-3 are determined by the conditions of the special water use permit.
The tables below show data on water consumption and use in 2021-2024.
Analysis of water consumption and use by AlES JSC sources, m3
| Indicators | CHPP-1 after B.Orazbayev | CHPP-2 after A.Zhakutov | CHPP-3 | ZTC | Kapshagai HPP after Sh.Chokin | Cascade HPP | ||||||
| 2021 | 2022 | 2021 | 2022 | 2021 | 2022 | 2021 | 2022 | 2021 | 2022 | 2021 | 2022 | |
| Water supply sources | SUE based on REM “Almaty Su” Alma-Ata GWD’s own water intake facility | SUE based on REM “Almaty Su” Boraldai GWD’s own water intake facility | Pokrovskyi GWD’s own water intake facility | SUE based on REM “Almaty Su” | Kapshagai Reservoir Own water intake wells | “Bauyr LTD Company” SUE based on REM “Almaty Su” | ||||||
| Raw water received, total | 5 959 125 | 6 097 567 | 33 926 768 | 33 343 439 | 4 484 550 | 5 645 610 | 39 419 | 34 309 | 6 893 994 | 7 402 692 | 715 | 594 |
| Consumption | 5 959 125 | 6 097 567 | 33 926 768 | 33 343 439 | 4 484 550 | 5 645 610 | 39 419 | 34 309 | 6 893 994 | 7 402 692 | 715 | 594 |
| Heating network replenishment | 5 043 888 | 5 201 086 | 24 585 430 | 25 285 479 | 173 937 | 159 840 | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Transferred to other consumers without use | 5 038 950 | 5 196 077 | 24 546 667 | 25 112 013 | 152 454 | 138 002 | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Production needs | – | – | – 1 795 | 127 844 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Own needs for hot water supply | 4 715 | 4 473 | 37 018 | 42 187 | 7 746 | 7 746 | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Transferred to other consumers | 223 | 536 | 3 540 | 3 435 | 13 737 | 14 092 | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Desalinated water | 182 990 | 184 679 | 905 574 | 969 488 | 279 684 | 335 093 | 22 657 | 23 161 | – | – | – | – |
| Boiler replenishment | 182 990 | 184 679 | 718 608 | 752 492 | 279 684 | 335 093 | 22 657 | 23 161 | – | – | – | – |
| Condensate non-return | – | – | 6 971 | 6 971 | – | – | 83 | 70 | – | – | – | – |
| Own needs of desalination plant | – | – | 179 995 | 210 025 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Process water | 694 836 | 673 944 | 8 404 230 | 7 052 535 | 4 018 396 | 5 138 353 | 2 544 | 2 626 | 6 849 640 | 7 357 009 | – | – |
| Irrecoverable losses | – | – | – | – | – | – | 4 419 | 1 420 | 39 096 | 40 332 | – | – |
| Domestic and drinking water | 37 411 | 37 858 | 31 533 | 35 937 | 12 533 | 12 324 | 9 798 | 7 102 | 5 258 | 5 351 | 715 | 594 |
| Transferred to other consumers | 80 | 133 | 428 | 521 | – | – | 2 572 | 1 904 | – | – | – | – |
| Sewerage | 351 705 | 342 727 | 68 551 | 78 124 | 18 224 | 23 095 | 26 567 | 22 460 | – | – | 715 | 594 |
| Sewerage own | 351 595 | 342 169 | 67 942 | 77 256 | 18 224 | 23 095 | 23 322 | 19 854 | – | – | 715 | 594 |
Analysis of water consumption and water use by AlES JSC sources, m3
| Indicators | CHPP-1 after B.Orazbayev | CHPP-2 after A.Zhakutov | CHPP-3 | ZTC | Kapshagai HPP after Sh.Chokin | Cascade HPP | ||||||
| 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | |
| Water supply sources | SUE based on REM “Almaty Su” Alma-Ata GWD’s own water intake facility | SUE based on REM “Almaty Su” Boraldai GWD’s own water intake facility | Pokrovskyi GWD’s own water intake facility | SUE based on REM “Almaty Su” | Kapshagai Reservoir Own water intake wells | “Bauyr LTD Company” SUE based on REM “Almaty Su” | ||||||
| Raw water received, total | 6 715 791 | 5 990 376 | 33 241 179 | 36 015 423 | 4 961 400 | 5 235 050 | 42 330 | 45 196 | 7 462 429 | 9 556 800 | 426 | 633 |
| Consumption | 6 715 791 | 5 990 376 | 33 241 179 | 36 015 423 | 4 961 400 | 5 235 050 | 42 330 | 45 196 | 7 462 429 | 9 556 800 | 426 | 633 |
| Heating network replenishment | 5 768 279 | 5 010 910 | 24 577 015 | 25 648 861 | 178 484 | 218 414 | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Transferred to other consumers without use | 5 763 120 | 5 005 839 | 24 340 386 | 25 593 772 | 147 725 | 190 267 | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Production needs | – | – | 192 192 | 15 321 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Own needs for hot water supply | 4 935 | 4 557 | 42 692 | 36 389 | 7 746 | 7 746 | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Transferred to other consumers | 224 | 514 | 1 745 | 3 379 | 23 013 | 20 401 | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Desalinated water | 191 000 | 192 864 | 1 105 423 | 1 127 588 | 371 221 | 395 745 | 24 861 | 28 706 | – | – | – | – |
| Boiler replenishment | 191 000 | 192 864 | 791 939 | 715 997 | 371 221 | 395 745 | 24 861 | 28 706 | – | – | – | – |
| Condensate non-return | – | – | 6 971 | 6 837 | – | – | 120 | 166 | – | – | – | – |
| Own needs of desalination plant | – | – | 306 513 | 404 754 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Process water | 719 222 | 751 189 | 7 522 374 | 9 207 974 | 4 396 179 | 4 599 969 | 3 509 | 4 264 | 7 417 958 | 9 508 987 | – | – |
| Irrecoverable losses | – | – | – | – | – | – | 4 864 | 3 721 | 39 183 | 42 413 | – | – |
| Domestic and drinking water | 37 291 | 35 412 | 36 367 | 31 000 | 15 516 | 20 922 | 9 096 | 8 505 | 5 288 | 5 400 | 426 | 633 |
| Transferred to other consumers | 293 | 237 | 1 091 | 1 258 | – | – | 2 143 | 2 100 | – | – | – | – |
| Sewerage | 361 039 | 220 861 | 79 059 | 67 389 | 22 656 | 15 601 | 26 821 | 24 774 | – | – | 426 | 645 |
| Own sewerage | 360 581 | 220 390 | 77 547 | 65 541 | 22 656 | 15 601 | 24 146 | 22 217 | – | – | 426 | 645 |
Changes in the actual water balance across AlES JSC departments mainly depend on production volumes and actual equipment operating conditions (number of boiler starts and stops, ash dump filling mode, pipeline repair work, etc.). The consumption of raw water by the departments of AlES JSC CHPP-1,2,3, Cascade HPP, Kapshagai HPP, ZTC for 2024 amounted to 56.8 million tons.
Absolute water consumption in 2024 increased compared to 2023 due to an increase in the inflow to the Kapshagai Reservoir (a year with high water levels) and an increase in CHPP-2’s own water consumption (filling of section №2 of ash dump №1).
The table shows data on the volume of water withdrawn in 2021-2024.
| Sources | Units of measurement | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
| Surface sources | ths.m³ | 10 677 932 | 11 310 032 | 11 878 750 | 16 148 572 |
| Underground sources | ths.m³ | 5 379 | 6 527 | 5 704 | 5 908 |
| Urban water supply systems | ths.m³ | 39 038 | 38 469 | 39 031 | 41 108 |
| Water from third-party organisations ‘Aksai-Karagalyinsky’ main canal | ths.m³ | 0 | 132 | 233 | 277 |
The table shows data on the total volume of discharges broken down by receiving facilities in 2021-2024.
| Sources | Units of measurement | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
| Surface sources | ths.m³ | 10 677 932 | 11 310 032 | 11 878 750 | 16 148 572 |
| Transferred to other parties for treatment | ths.m³ | 468 | 469 | 492 | 332 |
| Total volume of discharges | ths.m³ | 10 678 399 | 11 310 502 | 11 879 243 | 16 148 904 |
| Non-HPP | ths.m³ | 468 | 469 | 492 | 332 |
| HPP | ths.m³ | 10 677 932 | 11 310 032 | 11 878 750 | 16 148 572 |
The table shows data on water use by type of operation in 2021-2024.
| Sources | Units of measurement | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
| Production needs | ths.m³ | 21 408 | 21 919 | 21 999 | 25 881 |
| Domestic and drinking water | ths.m³ | 99 | 101 | 106 | 104 |
| Transferred to third parties | ths.m³ | 10 671 043 | 11 302 635 | 11 871 293 | 16 139 021 |
| Transferred to third parties | ths.m³ | 29 756 | 30 464 | 30 276 | 30 814 |
| PPD | ths.m³ | 44 | 42 | 44 | 46 |
| Total: | 10 722 349 | 11 355 161 | 11 923 718 | 16 195 866 |
The table shows data on the volumes of recycled and reused water in 2021-2024.
| Sources | Units of measurement | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
| Volume of reusable water (after treatment) | ths.m³ | 3 505 | 3 801 | 4 929 | 5 269 |
| Volume of recycled water | ths.m³ | 425 381 | 423 378 | 406 488 | 384 999 |
To reduce fresh water consumption at thermal power plants, two water supply systems are in operation: recirculating and reused, with the ZTC using a recirculating system. Types of recirculating water supply systems:
– technical water supply (cooling of main building equipment), losses are replenished with fresh water;
– hydro-ash removal system, losses are replenished with process effluents and rainwater runoff.
Water consumption in recirculating and reuse water supply systems by AlES departments in 2024 amounted to 390,268.1 thousand m3, including 384,999.1 thousand m3 in the recirculating water supply system and 5,269.0 thousand m3 in the reuse water supply system.
At the Kapshagai HPP, wastewater that meets regulatory standards (without treatment) and wastewater that has been treated to meet regulatory standards (in the Stok biological treatment system) is discharged into natural water bodies. There are no discharges of contaminated wastewater into surface water bodies.
Volume of discharges into water bodies in 2021-2024
| Production department | Units of measurement | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
| Kapshagai HPP | tons | 1,526 | 1,53467 | 1,52203 | 1,55640 |
The volume of regulated treated water discharged in 2024 increased by 0.03437 tons, which is due to an increase in the volume of regulated treated domestic wastewater discharged (water outlet №3) at the Kapshagai Hydroelectric Power Plant.
During 2024, a set of technological measures was carried out to prevent clogging, pollution and depletion of water resources, namely:
– at CHPP-1, repairs were carried out on pumping equipment at treatment facilities to ensure the regulatory quality of wastewater, as well as repairs to pumping equipment in the boiler, turbine and chemical workshops;
– At CHPP-2, work was carried out to reduce water losses during the transportation of ash and slag materials, and to repair the production circulation system (cooling towers, dredger).
– At CHPP-3, measures were taken to reduce water losses.
In order to implement the production environmental control system, the quality of groundwater and surface water at the industrial site, as well as in rivers and at the ash dumps of the stations, was monitored on an ongoing basis, and the discharge of pollutants into surface water bodies was monitored on an ongoing basis at the Kapshagai HPP. Samples were taken at the locations and with the frequency specified in the PEC program.
Production and consumption waste
The main approach to managing production and consumption waste (solid and liquid) in the production departments of AlES JSC includes preventing the accumulation of waste beyond the specified time limits and violations of the requirements for temporary storage sites, prior to transfer to specialised organizations that carry out its disposal. To this end, records are kept of the volume and timing of waste generation, as well as the volume of waste disposal. These indicators are met annually.
Production and consumption waste in the territories of the production departments of AlES JSC is temporarily stored in compliance with the requirements of the environmental and sanitary legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan and is transported by specialized organizations for disposal on the basis of concluded contracts. Waste such as scrap metal and used oils is reused in the production departments themselves for repair work and for lubricating auxiliary equipment parts.
The following types of waste are generated in the production activities of the production departments of AlES JSC:
– By source of generation: industrial, production and domestic;
– By degree of hazard: hazardous and non-hazardous;
– By aggregate state: solid, liquid, paste-like;
– By name: waste oils; metal; non-ferrous metal scrap (copper, bronze, brass, aluminum scrap); construction and repair debris; broken glass; wood waste, used oil, fuel and air filters, used rubber products (including worn tires and rubber products), used mercury-containing lamps, used batteries, unusable electronic equipment (office equipment, monitors, plastic products, communications equipment, household appliances, radio equipment, cartridges), oil-soaked rags, sludge contaminated with oil, sludge-contaminated soil/sand/rubble contaminated with petroleum products, waste paint and varnish materials, used Raschig rings, waste paper, mixed municipal waste (solid waste), ash and slag waste.
The characteristics and methods of handling the waste generated are given below.
| 1 | Used oils (turbine, motor, transmission, industrial, transformer) |
They are formed after the end of their service life and as a result of a decrease in quality parameters. Turbine oils are formed after use for lubricating equipment and when drained from turbines during major repairs. Transformer oils are formed during routine repairs of transformers and circuit breakers, when oil is added to equipment, and during draining operations. Motor and transmission oils are generated after the end of their service life and as a result of a decrease in quality parameters when used in transport. The waste is characterized as flammable, non-explosive. Aggregate state – liquid, solvent. Composition of waste oils: mineral oil – 91.2%, water – 4.543%, mechanical impurities – 2.3%, other – 1.957%. Composition of waste oils: mineral oil – 91.2%, water – 4.543%, mechanical impurities – 2.3%, other – 1.957%. |
Used oils that are unsuitable for further use are drained into closed, sealed metal containers with trays installed in specially designated areas. Used oils are transferred for disposal in accordance with the contract concluded with VitaProm LLP as they accumulate, but no later than six months after collection. |
| 2 | Ferrous metal scrap | Metal waste is generated from construction, repair and metalworking operations. Metal waste includes ferrous metal shavings and scrap, welding electrode stubs, and ferrous metal particles. The waste is characterized as non-flammable and non-explosive. There are no toxic components. Physical state: solid, metal shavings, scrap and pieces of metal. Composition: 98% metallic iron, 2% other. |
Metal waste is temporarily stored in a specially designated area in the temporary waste storage warehouse (TWSW) and, as it accumulates, but no later than six months after its formation, is removed by the specialized company Stal QZ LLP, in accordance with the contract. |
| 3 | Non-ferrous metal scrap (copper, bronze, brass, aluminium scrap) | Formed during metal machining, repair of instrumentation and control equipment, and motor vehicles. Non-ferrous metal scrap in the form of copper, bronze, aluminum, and brass scrap is formed during construction, repair, and metalworking operations. The waste is classified as non-flammable and non-explosive. There are no toxic components. Physical state: solid, scrap, fragments, pieces of non-ferrous metal. Composition: brass 70%, bronze 30%. |
Temporarily stored in a specially designated area at the temporary waste storage facility (TWSF) and, as it accumulates, but no later than six months after its generation, transported by a specialized company. “Stal QZ” LLP |
| 4 | Construction and repair waste |
It is generated during repair and construction works. Major and routine repairs, depending on their scope, are carried out and planned for the future by our own forces and with the involvement of contractors. Construction waste includes plaster residues, concrete debris, bricks, removed tiles, dust, soil, sand, etc. The waste is classified as fire-hazardous, non-explosive. Non-toxic. Aggregate state – solid, debris, rubble, pieces, dust from concrete, cement mortar, broken tiles, bricks, plaster, etc. Composition: sand, soil – 60%, cement – 35%, inorganic dust – 2%, silicate-containing dust – 3%. |
Construction waste generated during repairs is stored in a temporary waste storage warehouse (TWSW). As it accumulates, but no later than six months after its generation, it is removed by a specialized company, IE Akhmetov, under contract. |
| 5 | Glass slab (glass scrap) |
Unsuitable for direct use products or parts of products made of glass that has lost their operational value, as well as products with irreparable defects, broken household and industrial glass. Formed after the repair and construction of premises, collected in a separate metal container. The waste is characterized as non-flammable and non-explosive. It is non-toxic. Aggregate state – solid. In terms of chemical composition, it consists of 98.8-99.9% SiO2. |
It is stored in a temporary waste storage facility (TWSF) in a specially designated area in separate containers and, as it accumulates, but no later than six months after its generation, it is removed by a specialized company under contract with Marshal-EcoLand LLP. |
| 6 | Wood waste | It is generated in the carpentry section as a result of processing wood used in repair, construction and maintenance work. The waste is classified as flammable, non-explosive and non-toxic. Its aggregate state is solid, wood shavings and sawdust. The composition of wood waste is 98.9% wood and 1.1% other materials. |
Wood waste is temporarily stored in a specially designated area at the temporary waste storage facility (TWSF) and, as it accumulates, but no later than six months after it is generated, is removed by a specialized company under contract with IE Akhmetov. |
| 7 | Spent oil, fuel and air filters |
Formed during oil changes and oil cleaning while the engine is running. The waste is classified as flammable but non-explosive. Physical state: solid, oil-soaked cardboard filters. Composition of used filters: cellulose – 38.7%, mineral oil – 10%, iron oxide – 25%, aluminium oxide – 17,3%, mechanical impurities – 9%. |
Used filters are temporarily stored in a specially designated area at the temporary waste storage facility (TWSF) in a closed metal container as they accumulate, but no later than six months after they are generated, and are removed by a specialized company, UtilIndustry LLP. |
| 8 | Waste rubber products (including worn-out tyres and rubber products) | Generated in the process of operation of machinery and technological equipment. Wastes are characterized as fire hazardous, non-explosive. Not toxic. Aggregate state – solid, pieces of rubber. Composition: synthetic rubber – 96%, iron oxide, metal – 3%, textile cord – 1%. |
Waste tires and other waste rubber products are temporarily stored in a designated place in a temporary waste storage warehouse (TWSW) and, as they accumulate, but no later than six months from the date of generation, are removed under a contract with UtilIndustry LLP. |
| 9 | Spent mercury- containing lamps |
They are generated as a result of their service life exhaustion. LB-40 (SL40/38-735), LB-80, DRL-250, 400, 700 fluorescent lamps are used for illumination of production, office premises and territory of the enterprise. The waste is characterized as non-flammable and non-explosive. Toxic. Aggregate state – solid, mercury-containing unassembled equipment and devices. Composition: mercury – 4,2%, glass – 90%, phosphor – 2,2%, other – 3,6%. In case of mechanical destruction of mercury-containing lamps, collect their fragments in a tightly closed glass container, pack them in sealed polyethylene bags, transfer them to a temporary waste storage and accumulation warehouse, where they are placed in sealed metal waste and compacted with shock absorbers. Neutralize the released mercury by immediately treating the contaminated surface with a 20% iron chloride solution. After complete drying, wash the treated surface with soapy water. Treat surfaces contaminated with mercury with 1% KMnO 4 solution acidified with HCl. |
Prior to their transfer for demercurisation, they are placed on racks in the place of temporary storage in the factory cardboard packaging. As they accumulate, but not later than in six months from the moment of formation, they are transferred for demercurisation under a contract with a specialized company UtilIndustry LLP. |
| 10 | Used rechargeable batteries |
They are formed as a result of the development of the resource of vehicle batteries and various types for emergency and uninterruptible power supply. The waste is characterized as non-flammable and explosive. Toxic. The aggregate state is solid, unassembled equipment, plastic cubes with lead plates inside, filled with electrolyte. Composition: lead – 52.3%, water – 9.8%, other – 37.9%. |
Used batteries are temporarily stored in a specially designated place in a warehouse as they accumulate, but no later than six months after their formation, they are exported by a specialized enterprise “KazVtorMetall” LLP, under an agreement. The contractor providing waste disposal services in 2023 will be identified according to procurement procedures. |
| 11 | Unusable electronic equipment (office equipment, monitors, plastic products, communication equipment, household appliances, radio equipment, cartridges) | They are unusable electronic equipment (office equipment, monitors, communication equipment, household appliances, radio equipment, cartridges. They are temporarily stored in a specially designated place in the warehouse.Waste is characterized as non-flammable, explosive. Non-toxic. The aggregate state is solid, unassembled equipment and devices.Composition: polystyrene – 67%, copper – 0.08%, aluminum oxide – 9.3%, carbon black – 1.62%, iron oxide – 22%. |
Waste is stored in a specially designated place with a hard surface as it accumulates, but no later than six months after its formation, it is exported under an agreement with UtilIndustry LLP. |
| 12 | Oiled wiping rags | It is generated as a result of maintenance of technological equipment (wiping of mechanisms, parts, machines and machines), collected in special metal hermetic containers in workshops. These wastes are characterised as fire hazardous, non-explosive. Aggregate state – solid, pieces, scraps, fabrics impregnated with oily products. Composition of oiled rags: rags – 56%, oil – 30.6%, paraffins – 8.5%, resinous substances – 4.9%. |
Oily rags are temporarily stored in the temporary waste storage warehouse (TWSW), in closed metal boxes as they accumulate, but no later than six months from the date of formation, are removed by the specialized enterprise UtilIndustry LLP under the contract. |
| 13 | Soiled sludge | It is formed as a result of periodic cleaning of fuel oil tanks and reservoirs. The oiled sludge is temporarily stored in strictly designated places, in sealed metal boxes and, as it accumulates, is removed by a specialized company on the basis of an agreement Temporarily stored in hermetically sealed metal boxes. Waste is characterized as fire hazardous, non-explosive Aggregate state – pasty, sludge composition: petroleum products – 80, water – 20%. |
Oiled sludge (oil sludge from tank cleaning) is temporarily stored in strictly designated places, in sealed metal boxes as it accumulates, but not later than six months from the date of formation, will be removed by a specialized company UtilIndustry LLP on the basis of a contract. |
| 14 | Oiled soil/sand/rubble contaminated with oil products | Oiled soil is formed as a result of oil spills during equipment malfunction, refueling and operation of vehicles. Oiled soil/sand/rubble is temporarily stored in strictly designated places, in sealed metal boxes on hard surfaces and, as it accumulates, is removed by a specialized company on the basis of a contract. Temporarily stored in sealed metal boxes. Waste is characterized as fire hazardous, non-explosive. Aggregate state is solid. Composition: oil products – 30%, sand, earth – 35%, soil – 35%. |
Oiled soil/sand/rubble stone is temporarily stored in strictly designated places, in sealed metal boxes on hard surface, as it accumulates, but not later than six months from the date of formation, will be removed by a specialized company UtilIndustry LLP on the basis of a contract. |
| 15 | Waste paint and varnish materials | Generated during repair and installation of equipment, motor transport vehicles, repair and construction of buildings and structures. Aggregate state is solid, in solid form not toxic (because organic solvents have evaporated), not explosive, chemically inactive. Remains after painting works. Composition: tinplate – 94-99%, paint – 5-1%. They represent enamel and varnish containers with paint residues on the walls. |
Waste is stored in specially designated places at the temporary waste storage warehouse (TWSW), in containers with a hard surface as it accumulates, but no later than six months from the date of generation, will be removed under the contract by IE “Akhmetov”. |
| 16 | Raschig’s spent rings | Generated after wear and tear in decarbonizes tanks. Rashig ring waste is collected at the temporary waste storage site before removal. Aggregate state is solid, not explosive, and chemically inactive. Silicon oxide + Aluminum oxide – 90%, iron oxide – 1,5%, titanium oxide – 2%, calcium oxide + magnesium oxide – 1%, potassium oxide + sodium oxide – 4%. |
Spent Rashig rings are temporarily stored in specially designated hard-surfaced sites, but no later than six months from the date of formation and will be removed by a specialized company under a contract. |
| 17 | Waste paper | Generated from all types of paper and cardboard suitable for further use as fiber raw materials The waste is characterized as fire hazardous and non-explosive There are no toxic component. Aggregate state – solid, paper sheets and scraps Composition: cellulose 15%, wood pulp 85% |
Waste paper is temporarily stored in a designated place and, as it accumulates, is removed by a specialized company under an agreement with Bumaga LLP. |
| 18 | Mixed municipal waste (MMW) |
Generated as a result of economic activities. Collected in special containers with lids. Containers are installed on designated sites with hard surface. Mixed municipal waste is represented by packaging materials, paper, household rubbish, sweepings from office premises, production facilities and adjacent territories, etc. Includes food waste. Waste is characterized as fire hazardous, non-explosive. Non-toxic. Composition of mixed municipal waste: cellulose – 33,7 %, organic matter – 30,7 %, cotton – 8,5 %, polymeric materials – 5 %, glass – 5,6 %, metal, rubber, wood, sweepings and other – 16,5 %. Aggregate state – solid (cuttings, scrap, debris, dust, lumps, pieces). |
Mixed municipal waste is temporarily stored in specially allocated places in containers equipped with lids, with a hard surface and as it accumulates is removed under a contract with a specialized company “Marshal-EcoLand” LLP. |
| 19 | Ash and slag waste | At the Site of the Combined Ash and Slag Removal System there is a two-section Ash and Slag Waste Disposal Site and the Current Drainage and Drainage Hydraulic Structure, which are part of the main facilities of the combined ash and slag waste disposal system. Ash and slag materials are generated in the process of fuel combustion in power boilers. |
The storage of ash and slag waste is carried out as follows: first, the ash and slag material is hydraulically fed according to the existing scheme to the Current Drainage and Drainage Hydraulic Structure consisting of sections No.1 and №2, then alternately, in accordance with the regulations established in the draft, the ash and slag materials after their drainage, dehumidification to the established consistency and preparation, are removed from the sections for placement in the Ash and Slag Waste Disposal Site. |
AlES JSC has undertaken obligations to reduce the volume of storage of dry ash and slag waste. To fulfill obligations in 2024, there was concluded memorandum with Vulban construction materials limited LLP, SICHUAN JIUJIANGLONG STEEL STRUCTURE ENGINEERING CO., LTD LLP aimed at implementing a project for the construction and operation of a plant for the production of building mixtures and aerated concrete blocks. According to the project, the volume of processed dry ash and slag waste will be about 300,000 tons per year. The implementation of this measure will reduce the area of the dump of dry storage, respectively, significantly reduce the burden on the environment and human health.
Radioactive waste
In the process of the activities of the production departments of AlES JSC, no radioactive waste is generated.
Volume of waste generated in 2021-2024
| Types of waste | Units of measurement | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
| Hazardous waste | tons | 19,0 | 19,0 | 32,0 | 46,0 |
| Non-hazardous waste | tons | 1 258 990 | 1 267 892 | 1 320 881 | 1 260 154 |
| Total | tons | 1 259 009 | 1 267 911 | 1 320 913 | 1 260 200 |
| Specific emissions of harmful substances relative to income | mln.tons/mln.tenge | 0,000016 | 0,000015 | 0,000014 | 0,000010 |
Environmental protection measures
AlES JSC implemented all planned environmental protection measures, including: On protection of atmospheric air: work was carried out to maintain the degree of cleaning of ash collectors, repair and replacement of air heater cubes, repair of boiler unit burners, emulsifiers, anticorrosion work, replacement of metal structures, pipes, worn heating surfaces, implementation of measures to improve efficiency, elimination of violations in the technological cycle at boiler units, adjustment work at aspiration units of CHP-1, 2, 3. Emissions monitoring and impact monitoring at the boundary of the sanitary protection zone of all production departments were carried out.
On protection and rational use of water resources: there was performed the repair of pumping equipment in boiler, turbine, chemical shops, treatment facilities of CHPP-1, measures on inventory and reduction of water losses during transportation of ash and slag waste at CHPP-2 and CHPP-3, repair of recycling system of industrial purpose at CHPP-2, sanitary and microbiological research of water samples at Kapshagai HPP.
The preservation of land resources, rational use of subsoil, flora and fauna: replacement of worn-out pipelines to prevent spillage of ash and slurry waste and pulp, works on landscaping of departmental territories, reclamation of degraded territories at CHPP-2 and CHPP-3, works on strengthening of slopes by grass sowing, construction of a levee encircling from loam at CHPP-2, works on preparation of soil for parterre and ordinary lawns, with grass sowing and watering of grass sowing with water at CHPP-3 were carried out. Construction and arrangement of a site for temporary storage of production and consumption waste at ZTC.
The production and consumption waste management, radiation, biological and chemical safety: there were carried out works to reconstruct and expand the ash dump at the CHPP-2, work to prevent dusting of the combined ash and slag removal system CHPP-1, 2, 3, solid household waste, mercury-containing lamps and other hazardous waste of the departments CHPP-1, 2, 3, ZTC, Kapshagai HPP, Cascade HPP, PRP “Energoremont.”
Total investments for environmental protection in 2022 amounted to 1.126 billion tenge, in 2023 amounted to 3.918 billion tenge, in 2024 amounted to 2.123 billion tenge.
Environmental protection investment in 2022-2024, mln. tenge
| Item of expenditure | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
| On protection of atmospheric air | 646,2 | 2 050,0 | 1 317,4 |
| On protection and rational use of water resources | 157,4 | 161,9 | 221,0 |
| On protection of land resources, rational use of subsoil, flora and fauna | 42,9 | 28,0 | 149,5 |
| Production and consumption waste management, radiation, biological and chemical safety | 199,9 | 1 678,1 | 435,1 |
| Total | 1 126,0 | 3 918,0 | 2 122,9 |
Fulfillment of all environmental protection measures made it possible to reduce the load on the environment and comply with environmental quality standards.
Environmental impact fee
In accordance with article 573 of the Tax Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, JSС AlES pays for negative environmental impact (emissions and discharges of pollutants carried out on the basis of the relevant environmental permit and environmental impact declaration in accordance with the environmental legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan). In 2024, the payment for negative environmental impact totaled 1,098.5 millon tenge.
Environmental impact fee in 2022-2024, mln. tenge
| Payments | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
| Payment for emissions of pollutants into the atmospheric air | 755,7 | 864,1 | 896,4 |
| Payment for emissions from fuels and lubricants | 1,879 | 2,114 | 2,271 |
| Payment for the discharge of pollutants | 0,004 | 0,002 | 0,002 |
| Payment for waste disposal in the natural environment | 67,6 | 204,4 | 198,9 |
| Total | 825,1 | 1 070,6 | 1 098,5 |
Campains and initiatives
In 2024, the following environmental campaigns were carried out: “Paper landing” – for the collection and delivery of waste paper, 4.4 tons of unusable paper and cardboard were handed over for processing, and “Give battery a second life” – a campaign dedicated for the delivery of used household batteries, 94 kilograms of household batteries were handed over. For the period from 2021 to 2024, employees of AlES JSC have collected and handed over for disposal 278.1 kg of batteries and 43.0 tons of waste paper.
In 2024, the following actions were carried out: the ecological company “Almaty – Bizdіn Ortak Uimiz” (cleaning the river passage), the onsite campaign “#Birge – Taza Taular” (waste collection in the Butakovskyi gorge), “Taza Kazakhstan: a no-go campaign on the passing river” (cleaning the river passage), from 11 to 15 November 2024 Environmental Challenge: “Be eco-trendy!” (cancellation of plastic bags and leather bags in favor of eco-bags), with the participation of all responsible ecologists of production departments and head office.
During the period from 2021 to 2024, employees of AlES JSC collected more than 200 garbage bags with a volume of 160 liters.
Inspections of regulatory authorities
In 2024, the Department of Ecology of Almaty during an unscheduled inspection for CHPP-1 and CHPP-2 has revealed:
– In CHPP-1 there was detected a violation of the environmental legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan, namely, pollution of the land with hazardous chemicals that did not cause environmental damage (fuel oil leakage due to damage to the gasket on the flange connection of the fuel oil heater at CHPP-1), which is a violation of the requirements of Articles 238 and 4 of Article 186 of the EC of the Republic of Kazakhstan;
– no automated system for monitoring emissions into the environment has been installed at the CHPP-2 on the main stationary sources of emissions, which is a violation of the requirements of Article 418 of the EC of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The volume of penalties amounted to 2,584,400 tenge. Penalties were paid in full. Violations were eliminated in due time and corrective measures were taken in full.
In 2023, the Ecology Departments of Almaty City and Almaty Region did not conduct any scheduled or unscheduled inspections involving visits to the premises of production departments, and no penalties were imposed. The Ecology Department of Almaty Region conducted one inspection in the form of preventive control without visiting the entity. Based on the results of the inspection, one comment was made regarding the lack of permits for the contractor disposing of waste from the territory of the CHPP-3 department. The comment was remedied. The contractor was requested to submit the permits to the Department of Ecology for the Almaty Region. Following the review of the submitted documents, the remark was withdrawn.
In 2022, the Department of Ecology for the Almaty Region found that hazardous waste was being mixed with non-hazardous waste at the CHPP-3 site and that the packaging did not have labels indicating the name of the waste. The Department of Ecology for the city of Almaty found that: at the CHPP-1 site, there was an overspend (deviation) from the PDV project documentation and the GEE conclusion on the PDV annual gas consumption for boilers, and the site was littered with dry wood and scrap metal, and waste was not being collected separately; at the CHPP-2 site, it was found that that there is no hydro-dust removal system in the TTZ (the place of transfer during transportation and preparation of solid fuel) and the industrial site (on the north side) is littered with solid household and industrial waste, as well as an accumulation of construction waste and scrap metal outside the designated area; on the territory of the ZTC, there was an overspending (deviation) from the project documentation of the PDV and the conclusion of the GEE on the PDV of the annual gas consumption by boilers.
In 2021, the Departments of Ecology of Almaty and Almaty Region filed claims for payment of environmental damage to the environment, and the administrative court imposed a penalty for the identified violations of environmental legislation relating to the failure to comply with previously issued orders, as well as violations committed by the contractor carrying out work on the combined ash removal system at CHPP-2. The amounts of damage were paid within the established deadlines, and reports with payment orders were sent to the Department of Ecology for the city of Almaty. All penalties were reissued in full to the contractor that committed the violation.
Based on the results of the inspections, corrective measures were developed, namely internal inspections of compliance with environmental legislation (measurements at emission sources, waste storage systems, etc.), assessment of the functioning of the environmental management system, implementation of environmental protection measures, assessment of the effect of the implementation of energy and fuel saving programs, annual training of employees responsible for environmental protection, participation in training courses and seminars at the authorized body, and internal corporate training on changes in the environmental legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Climate risks
AlES JSC takes a responsible approach to climate change issues and takes real measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, consistently reducing the carbon footprint of its products. The reduction of greenhouse gas emissions is defined by the Environmental Policy of AlES JSC. In 2024, measures were taken to minimize the negative impact of climate change on production activities. Measures were developed and implemented in accordance with energy saving and energy efficiency programs, which made it possible to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 17.6 thousand tons.
To implement the climate policy in 2024, actual and potential climate risks (including physical and transitional) were identified and assessed. The table below shows the classification of climate risks.
1. Actual climate risks:
| Risk type | Climate risk | Impact description |
| Physical | Increase in maximum temperatures in Almaty and the Almaty region – summer peak temperatures | Reduction in production capacity (decrease in output/failure to meet production targets), impact on personnel working outdoors and in enclosed spaces with natural ventilation |
| Physical | Increase in humidity (in winter), increase in precipitation, formation of ice | Impact of corrosion on main and auxiliary equipment, electrical circuits, instruments, automation, power line breaks, erosion of buildings and structures |
| Physical | Drought, decrease in precipitation during certain periods, depletion of groundwater | Shortage of surface and groundwater for cooling systems and filling ash ponds. Reduction in water levels in the Ili River and Lake Bolshoye Almatinskoe for hydroelectric power generation |
| Physical | Potential impact of activities on the fish fauna of the Ili River and Kapshagai Reservoir | Need to install fish protection devices, costs of restocking rivers |
| Physical | National carbon regulation and greenhouse gas emission quotas from operational activities | Additional costs for compliance with regulatory requirements, risks of bans on or restrictions to operational activities, risks of fines, risks associated with the need to purchase additional missing greenhouse gas emission quotas |
2. Potential climate risks:
| Risk type | Climate risk | Impact description |
| Physical | Increase in the frequency and intensity of earthquakes | Damage to property and infrastructure, disruptions to the reliability and stability of electricity and heat supply, lack of stable water and fuel supply |
| Transitional | Increase in operating costs due to changes in legislation regulating greenhouse gas emissions | Additional costs for purchasing additional quotas to comply with environmental legislation requirements for compensating for regulatory greenhouse gas emissions, tightening of the legal and regulatory framework for greenhouse gas emissions and the country’s overall climate responsibility |
| Transitional | Unfavorable court verdicts in legal or arbitration disputes related to violations of environmental legislation | Risks of fining and/or financial compensation for identified violations. Litigation costs |
| Transitional | Costs of transitioning to low-emission technologies, such as wind and solar power plants | Costs of adapting/implementing new technologies and processes (transition to coal-to-gas), energy-producing companies may face the risk of increased costs for the transition to low-carbon technologies |
| Transitional | Concerns of stakeholders about reducing emissions and, accordingly, the impact on the environment | Risks of social tension and claims from the interested public in the event of failure to implement projects to reduce emissions into the atmosphere, greenhouse gases (coal-fired generation instead of gas, lack of gas cleaning facilities, etc.) |
To implement its policy of minimizing climate risks, in 2024, projects were launched to modernize and reconstruct Almaty CHPP-2 and CHPP-3, installing combined cycle gas turbines that burn natural gas.
Efficient use of natural resources and energy
AlES JSC strives to use natural and energy resources sparingly and to improve the energy efficiency of its operations. To achieve its strategic commitments for 2024, a plan of measures for energy conservation and energy efficiency improvement was developed by the departments of CHPP-1, CHPP-2, CHPP-3, and ZTC AlES JSC. This plan sets targets for saving natural resources (water, natural gas, and coal) and energy for 2024. At the end of 2024, the following measures were implemented:
Energy conservation
| № | Name of the event | The actual investments for 2024 (including VAT), tenge | Actual savings effect from the implementation of measures | |
| Name of energy resource |
in real terms | |||
| 1 | Replacement of brass tubes during repair of the OB-1TA network water heater, station №10, CHPP-1 | 28 190 400 | Heat energy, Gcal | 1 750 |
| 2 | Chemical cleaning of brass tubes during repair of the OB-1TA network water heater, station №9, CHPP-1 | 0 | Heat energy, Gcal | 1 550 |
| 3 | Reduction of the diameter of the working wheels of the smoke pumps of boiler units №10, 12, 13 of CHPP-1 | 0 | Power energy, kW*h | 1 256 235 |
| 4 | Change in the operating scheme of the internal GZU of the dredging pump 1 lift of CHPP-1 | 0 | Power energy, kW*h | 794 000 |
| 5 | Decommissioning and reservation during the shutdown of 20 transformers for internal needs at CHPP-1 | 0 | Power energy, kW*h | 155 000 |
| 6 | Restoration of thermal insulation on sections of internal pipelines of the ZTC | 2 867 200 | Heat energy, Gcal | 1 523 |
| 7 | Elimination of steam and hot water leaks through leaks in the shut-off and control valves of the ZTC | 170 240 | Heat energy, Gcal | 40 |
| 8 | Decommissioning of the power transformer of the reserve generator of the Kapshagai HPP | 0 | Power energy, kW*h | 413 406 |
| TOTAL | 31 227 840 | 2 623 504 | ||
According to the results of 2024, 4,863 Gcal of heat energy and 2,618,641 kWh of electricity were preserved.
Conservation of natural resources. Water
| № | Name of the event | The actual investments for 2024 (including VAT), tenge | Actual savings effect from the implementation of measures |
|
| Name of energy resource | in real terms | |||
| 1 | Water reuse and water conservation at CHPP-1 | 0 | Water, m3 | 19 000 |
| 2 | Replacement of fittings and elimination of water leaks at CHPP-3 | 2 800 000 | Water, m3 | 55 020 |
| 3 | Elimination of steam and hot water leaks through leaks in ZTC shut-off and control fittings | 170 240 | Water, m3 | 500 |
| 4 | Rational use of cold water in the PRP office | 0 | Water, m3 | 17 |
| TOTAL | 2 970 240 | 74 537 | ||
According to the results of 2024, 74,537 m3 of water was preserved.
Conservation of natural resources. Gas
| № | Name of the event | The actual investments for 2024 (including VAT), tenge | Actual savings effect from the implementation of measures |
|
| Name of energy resource |
in real terms | |||
| 1 | Replacement of cubes in the first stage during medium repair of boiler №13 at CHPP | 55 496 000 | Natural gas, m3 | 497 028 |
| 2 | Performance of routine adjustment of CHPP | 0 | Natural gas, m3 | 591 760 |
| 3 | Restoration of thermal insulation on sections of CHPP | 1 344 000 | Natural gas, m3 | 510 000 |
| TOTAL | 56 840 000 | 1 598 788 | ||
According to the results of 2024, 1598788м 3 of natural gas was preserved.
Conservation of natural resources. Coal
| № | Name of the event | The actual investments for 2024 (including VAT), tenge | Actual savings effect from the implementation of measures |
|
| Name of energy resource | in real terms | |||
| 1 | Replacement of VZP cubes, stage 1, boiler №2, CHPP-2 | 197 547 840 | Coal, tons | 2 091 |
| 2 | Replacement of VZP cubes, stage 1, boiler №5, CHPP-2 | 210 807 520 | Coal, tons | 2 502 |
| 3 | Replacement of VZP cubes, stage 1, boiler №6, CHPP-2 | 479 655 901 | Coal, tons | 2 450 |
| 4 | Replacement of brass tubes in turbine condenser №2, CHPP-2 | 386 198 123 | Coal, tons | 1 840 |
| 5 | Replacement of the ceiling steam superheater on boiler №1 of CHPP-3 | 35 082 880 | Coal, tons | 8,5 |
| 6 | Replacement of VZP cubes of the 2nd stage on boiler №5 of CHPP-3 | 220 020 640 | Coal, tons | 8 |
| 7 | Replacement of the ceiling steam superheater on boiler №5 of CHPP-3 | 35 393 120 | Coal, tons | 5 |
| 8 | Restoration of thermal insulation of CHPP-3 | 5 779 200 | Coal, tons | 0,8 |
| TOTAL | 1 570 484 861 | 8 905 | ||
According to the results of 2024, 8,905 tons of coal was saved.
The total cost of measures to conserve natural and energy resources in 2024 amounted to 1.8 billion tenge.
Management of biodiversity conservation activities
AlES JSC is aware of the importance of preserving flora and fauna and has therefore undertaken to promote biological balance and to compensate for any damage to the environment. All projects for the reconstruction and modernization of its production departments are planned with due consideration for the need to prevent negative impacts on the ecosystem, and during the implementation of projects, the risks of negative impacts on natural objects are minimized. In 2024, there was no significant direct or indirect impact of the activities of AlES JSC’s production departments on vulnerable ecosystems and biodiversity, as CHPP-1, CHPP-2, CHPP-3, ZTC, and PRP Energoremont are located in urbanized areas, in an industrial zone, and the activities of the Cascade HPP and Kapshagai HPP do not have a significant impact on the natural environment, as they produce products using water, which is returned to water bodies in a normatively clean state after the process is completed.
To reduce the impact on biodiversity, in 2024, measures were carried out to reforest the territory and sanitary protection zones of the production departments.
| Production department |
Quantity, pcs | Type/breed | Planting area |
| CHPP-1 | 8 | Reforestation: apple tree seedlings | Territory of CHPP-1 |
| CHPP-2 | 17 340 | Compensatory planting: conifers – 2 pcs.; deciduous trees – 1722 pcs.; shrubs – 10 pcs. | Spring planting: 6,112 trees on the territory of the Alatau FEZ. Autumn planting: 11,228 trees within a 1-kilometer radius of the TPP-2 territory. |
| CHPP-3 | 3 800 | Compensatory planting: acacia – 40 trees, cherry – 290 trees, low-growing elm – 1,700 trees, spruce – 10 trees, maple – 1,360 trees, pine – 30 trees, poplar – 50 trees, thuja – 140 trees, apricot – 60 trees, apple tree – 120 trees. | The village of Otegen Batyr from Batalhanov Street to the Arman microdistrict |
| ZTC | 20 | Compensatory planting: apple tree – 20 trees. | Territory of ZTC |
To preserve biodiversity, AlES JSC conducted quarterly production and environmental monitoring of emissions into the environment in 2024, including emissions into the atmosphere, discharges into water bodies, waste accumulation and disposal volumes, and the quality of environmental components, such as atmospheric air, surface and underground waters, and soil in the territories and boundaries of sanitary protection zones of production enterprises.
In 2025, it is planned to carry out landscaping of the territories of sanitary protection zones of production departments and measures to stain the Kapshagai reservoir, with the involvement of the interested public and state bodies in the field of environmental protection.
Compliance by suppliers and contractors with social, environmental and legal requirements
In 2024, as part of measures to monitor suppliers and contractors’ compliance with social and environmental standards, as well as legal requirements, counterparties were surveyed. The purpose of the survey is to assess the level of compliance by counterparties with environmental protection standards, labor legislation, labor protection and social responsibility.
The questionnaires are posted on the Company’s corporate website in the Procurement section.
The results of the survey were analyzed and will be taken into account in further interaction with suppliers and contractors.