Thermal and Electric Capacity to Increase in Ust-Kamenogorsk with Two New Projects

Two major energy projects are underway in Ust-Kamenogorsk, aimed at boosting the city's thermal and electric capacities in response to its future growth.

Construction has begun on a new power unit at the existing Ust-Kamenogorsk CHP (Combined Heat and Power) plant. This unit will feature a boiler unit No. 16 with a steam production capacity of 400 tons per hour and a turbine No. 13 with an electric capacity of 100 MW.

Simultaneously, a new CHP plant is planned for construction in Ust-Kamenogorsk between 2025 and 2029. The new plant will have an installed electric capacity of 405 MW and a thermal capacity of 1000 Gcal/h. It will include four energy boilers, three steam turbines, and three turbo generators, creating additional capacity for the growing city.

"For Ust-Kamenogorsk, this is another crucial project that will allow us to build new capacities considering the city's expansion and its demands for heat and electricity. We are incorporating modern environmental solutions right from the construction phase," stated Erlan Akkhenzhenov, Minister of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

The project has moved into the practical stage, with land plots for the CHP plant and ash disposal site secured, and key technical decisions approved. Geological and geodetic surveys, as well as site preparation and temporary infrastructure setup, are underway. Up to 2,500 workers and more than 200 units of special equipment are planned to be employed at the peak of construction.

Special attention is being given to ecological standards. The new CHP plant will utilize "clean coal" technology with comprehensive flue gas cleaning, reducing emissions of nitrogen and sulfur oxides, as well as particulate matter—an essential factor for Ust-Kamenogorsk. These modern ecological solutions are being integrated from the ground up during construction.

Both projects are designed with the city's future development and increasing need for energy capacities in mind. Expanding the existing CHP plant will help alleviate the thermal capacity shortfall, while the new station will create a strong foundation for Ust-Kamenogorsk's continued growth.

reports Utility Services 24, citing the Ministry of Energy's website.

Photo: gov.kz