Chinese Company SPIC Launches Wind Project in Pavlodar Region

Kazakhstan and China are developing a new model of energy cooperation, highlighted by the implementation of a 1 GW wind power plant project by the Chinese company State Power Investment Corporation (SPIC) in the Pavlodar region.

Not long ago, energy collaboration between Kazakhstan and China was primarily associated with oil and gas. Now, the agenda has broadened significantly to include wind and solar power stations, energy storage systems, pumped storage plants, hydrogen technologies, and industrial complexes where energy is part of an integrated production chain. The role of this partnership is also evolving: alongside investments, Kazakhstan is gaining access to technologies, equipment, and expertise.

The wind power plant project in the Pavlodar region includes an energy storage system with a capacity of 300 MW and energy storage of 600 MWh. This combination enables the integration of wind energy production with storage and subsequent supply to the grid.

Another two large projects are being executed by China Energy Engineering Group. These include a solar power station with a capacity of 300 MW in the Turkistan region and a 500 MW wind power station in the Karaganda region.

As the share of renewable generation grows, the ability of the energy system to balance production and consumption becomes increasingly important. Here, another avenue of cooperation emerges: pumped storage power plants. Kazakhstan, together with Chinese investors, is exploring projects for such plants in the Almaty region. These stations can store electricity during periods of low demand and release it during peak demand.

Chinese involvement extends to traditional generation as well. In Aktau, a project for a combined cycle gas turbine plant with a capacity of 160 MW is underway with the participation of China Huadian Corporation. This project aims to provide the region with additional capacity and enhance the reliability of power supply in the Mangystau region.

Another component of the new energy partnership involves hydrogen technologies. A Kazakhstan-China Hydrogen Technology Center has been established at the Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, with partners including KazNU, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and Energy China International. The parties have agreed to conduct joint research, test technologies, launch pilot projects, and commercialize developments to integrate them into Kazakhstan's industrial projects.

In this context, the focus is on creating a technological foundation around energy. Scientific research, testing, and subsequent implementation of developments become part of the collaboration alongside investment projects.

Ultimately, the logic of energy cooperation is changing. Production and storage of electricity, its balancing, industrial cooperation, and development of new technologies are gradually being integrated into a single system. This integration is becoming one of the key directions of the Kazakhstan-China energy partnership.

reports ZhKH24 citing the Ministry of Energy's website.

Photo: gov.kz