Modernization of Almaty CHPP-2
Within the framework of the project “Modernization of Almaty CHPP-2 with Minimized Environmental Impact,” natural gas has been designated as the plant’s primary fuel. The project is being implemented between 2022 and 2026 and aims to reduce harmful emissions into the atmosphere of Almaty while ensuring a reliable and uninterrupted energy supply.
Within the framework of the project implementation, a phased commissioning of capacities is envisaged:
– in December 2025 a start-up complex including four hot-water boilers is commissioned;
– in April 2026, start-up complex №1 with a combined cycle gas turbine will be commissioned;
– in June 2026 the commissioning of start-up complex №2 including combined gas turbine units is planned;
– in September 2026 the project is planned to be completed with commissioning of start-up complex №3.
Main parameters of the project:
– installed capacity is 557 MW for electricity and 957 Gcal/h for heat;
– the cost of the project under the EPC-contract dated May 30, 2023 is 325.9 billion tenge including VAT.
Environmental effect from the project realization:
– emissions of harmful substances will be reduced from 37.1 thousand tons to 2.7 thousand tons per year;
– greenhouse gas emissions will be reduced from 4 million tons to 2.5 million tons per year.
Modern environmental technologies are being implemented at the site:
– continuous environmental monitoring systems (CEMS);
– noise shields for gas turbine units;
– closed water rotation systems for wastewater treatment.
Project progress
Financing:
Within the framework of the project implementation, works are carried out at the expense of own funds of Almaty Electric Stations JSC, as well as attracted funds of international financial institutions.
In November 2022, a loan agreement was signed with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. In June 2023, an agreement on opening a credit line with the Development Bank of Kazakhstan was signed. In the same period, a loan agreement was signed with the Asian Development Bank.
The raised financing is aimed at realization of key stages of the project, including equipment supply, construction and installation works and introduction of modern technologies.
Project Status
Design and estimate documentation
In September 2024, a positive conclusion of the state expert examination was obtained for the adjusted feasibility study of the project with a total cost of 388.9 billion tenge.
In October 2025, a positive conclusion of the state expert review of the design and estimate documentation was received for a total cost of 348.9 billion tenge.
Equipment
As part of the CHPP-2 modernization project under the EPC contract, equipment supply agreements have been concluded with leading international manufacturers.
- Gas turbines and generators – Siemens Energy (Germany, USA);
- Steam turbine – Dongfang Turbine Corporation LTD (China);
- Heat recovery boilers – MHI Power Dongfang Boiler Corporation LTD (China);
- Water boilers – Wuxi Huaguang Environment & Energy Group Corporation LTD (China).
Steam turbine
Gas turbine
Before After
Delivery of the main equipment has been completed in full. All three gas turbines with generators have been delivered to the site and installed between June 2025 and January 2026. The steam turbine has been delivered to the site and preparation of the base for its installation is underway.
The overall progress of equipment delivery is 97.3 percent. The delivery of the main equipment is 100 percent complete, and the delivery of auxiliary equipment is in the final stage.
Gas turbine casing
Construction and installation works
Active construction and installation works are underway at the construction site. As of April 2026, the overall progress of the project is 84.3 percent. The construction and erection progress rate has reached 59.1 percent.
Major preparatory and infrastructure works have been completed, including construction of temporary roads, administrative and production buildings, warehouses and a shift camp. Piling works are almost fully completed.
The main production facilities, including the main building, combined cycle gas turbine plant, hot water boiler house, switchgear and auxiliary systems, are under active construction and equipment installation.
Project realization control is carried out with the involvement of international technical consultant AFRY. Author’s supervision is performed by KazNIPIenergoprom JSC, technical supervision is performed by GazStroyProject LLP.
Layout of the CHPP-2 construction site
Pre-commissioning works and start up
In parallel with the construction and installation works, preparations for commissioning are underway. Tests have already started at some facilities. In particular, hydraulic tests of hot-water boilers have been carried out, which were completed without any remarks.
The program of commissioning works is being developed, as well as the formation of necessary resources for their implementation. After the design is finalized, the documentation will be sent for industry and state expertise.
Completion of all works and commissioning of the facility is scheduled by September 30, 2026.
Control and monitoring
The project implementation is under constant control of the state authorities and the public. Monitoring is carried out by deputies of the Majilis of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Maslikhat of Almaty city, representatives of public organizations, mass media, as well as international financial institutions and shareholders of AlES JSC.