An atlas of promising sites for the construction of small hydroelectric power stations is being formed in Eastern Kazakhstan, reports a Kazinform agency correspondent.
The document will make it possible to determine the most efficient locations for hosting new energy sources that will work for the benefit of industry and residents of the region.
According to the akimat, 95 sites have been identified in the region where the construction of such facilities is possible.
«Their total power can reach about 2 gigawatts. The basis for the calculations was the analysis of water resources and the hydrological structure of rivers. Let us remind you that more than 40% of all water resources of Kazakhstan are concentrated in East Kazakhstan region, which creates favorable conditions for the development of small hydropower», — noted the Department of Energy and Housing and Communal Services of East Kazakhstan region.
At the same time, today the region remains energy dependent: in 2024, the region produced 4.8 billion kWh, which does not cover all needs. Small hydropower, experts are sure, can not only reduce the shortage, but also reduce the load on traditional generation sources, as well as provide villages with a stable power supply.
«Projects must take account not only of the economy but also of the social impact. We are talking about specific areas where people need a reliable supply of energy. Small hydroelectric power stations can become an example of «green» energy and real support for local communities», — emphasized Isatai Ansat, head of the Department of Entrepreneurship and Industry of East Kazakhstan region.
The cost of building one small hydroelectric power station is estimated at between $3 million and $20 million. To speed up preparations, it is proposed to allocate 65 million tenge for survey work through the social-entrepreneurial corporation «Ertis» (the founder of JSC «SPK «Ertis» is the akimat of East Kazakhstan region represented by the State Institution «Department of Entrepreneurship and Industrial-Innovative Development of East Kazakhstan region»).
It is expected that potential investors will be identified in September at the international investment forum Altai-Invest in Ust-Kamenogorsk, which annually brings together business representatives and industry experts from Kazakhstan and foreign countries.
