Partnership for the Future of Energy: ALES and AUES for the 90th anniversary of CHPP-1

Almaty University of Energy and Communications named after Gumarbek Daukeyev organized the XIII International Scientific and Technical Conference “Energy, Infocommunication Technologies and Higher Education.” The forum was timed to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the university. It was attended by representatives of Kazakhstani technical universities, scientists and teachers of the higher Russian technical school, CIS countries, non-CIS countries.

The purpose of the conference was not only summing up the half-century impressive results of the university, but also discussing modern trends and prospects for the development of energy, information and communication technologies. And also – issues of integration of science, education and industry – this topic is especially relevant for a university that adheres to the principles of dual education and seeks to develop partnerships with industries where students can learn their profession in real conditions.

NAO “AUES named after G.Daukeyev” one of the first universities actively began to introduce the training of specialists in the German dual education system. In particular, the partner-production base of the university is AlES JSC. Since 2018, on the basis of the CHPP-1 named after B.Orazbayev and the personnel training department, 277 students have completed practical training to date.

This experience was interesting for the audience of the forum, especially for other specialized universities. Therefore, the speech at the plenary session, director of the CHPP-1 named after B.Orazbaev of AlES JSC Karim Sartayev, aroused great interest. He devoted it to the history and development of the CHPP-1 where AUES students practice.

This experience is certainly interesting not only because it is the oldest station in Kazakhstan, now celebrating its 90th anniversary. But also because the CHPP has been developing in step with the times throughout its history, and has approached its honorable anniversary by undergoing a transformation from a coal-fired central power plant to a station running on the purest fuel – gas. Seeing this experience, this story, immersing in the traditions of the station, students acquire more than experience than professional skills, they absorb corporate culture, gain work pride.

“ALEC is actively developing a strategic partnership with NAO Almaty University of Energy and Communications named after G.Daukeyev in order to train highly qualified engineering and technical personnel for the energy industry of Kazakhstan”, Karim Sartayev emphasized. “Our cooperation is based on a number of official documents. Among them: an agreement on mutual cooperation, regulating the procedure and conditions for students to undergo industrial practice and internships to acquire practical skills in the field of heat energy; An internship agreement with elements of dual training a memorandum of mutual cooperation aimed at developing the integration of education, science and business, as well as joint work on the training of demanded specialists for the country’s production sites. Within the framework of the concluded agreements, a wide range of joint activities is being implemented. So in September of this year, at the initiative of AUES and with the assistance of AlES JSC, four 4 th year students were sent to an internship at the University of Genoa (Italy) to expand their professional knowledge and gain international experience in the energy sector. As part of dual training based on an agreement between AlES JSC and AUES, 171 students have already completed internship, combining training at the university with work at the company’s production facilities.

Karim Sartayev also noted that AUES students annually undergo production and pre-diploma practice at the company’s enterprises, and familiarization excursions to key facilities of AlES are regularly organized. In 2025, a targeted training program was launched: seven graduates of schools and colleges were selected and entered AUES on the initiative and at the expense of funding from AlES JSC, followed by employment in the company This allows the company with a large backlog to form a personnel reserve of young, motivated specialists.

Special attention is paid by the partners to the development of the teaching staff: an internship of the faculty of AUES was held at the production sites of AlES as part of the advanced training program and exchange of experience. “This contributes to the introduction of a practice-oriented approach to the educational process,” Karim Sartayev emphasized.

The university and the company are committed to further cooperation. Within the framework of the energy forum, they presented the university with the book “AlES. Illuminating the path of creation,” dedicated to the history of CHPP-1, and in general the development of the energy complex of Almaty. It will be a good help in training young specialists, will make it possible to trace not only the chain of the history of the development of Almaty stations, the change of technological periods, but also to better understand the role of energy in the state economy, learn about the selfless work of the first generations of power engineers, take the baton from the current generations and continue the bright path with dignity.