On the Baskan River in the Sarkan district of the Almaty region of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the implementation of a large-scale investment project – construction of a cascade of two small hydroelectric power stations, HPP-2 and HPP-3, has been completed. Since mid-October 2024, electricity from HPP-2 has already been supplied to the general network.
The project is being implemented by Baskan Power LLP, which has been successfully developing hydroelectric power production in this region since 2013. It should be noted that Verkhne-Baskanskaya HPP-1, the company’s first station, was put into operation in 2015, providing annual generation of 20.1 million kWh of electricity. Now two more stations have appeared in the region with a planned output of about 76.5 million kWh per year.
«Thanks to joint work with the Development Bank of Kazakhstan, taking into account the specifics of the implementation of derivative-type hydroelectric power stations, as well as the terms of the Electricity Purchase Agreement with LLP «Settlement and Financial Center for RES Support», we were able to complete the implementation of the cascade of small Baskan hydroelectric power stations on time. This project made it possible to attract investment to the region, create jobs for the local population and increase electricity production. This is an important step towards reducing import dependence and stabilizing tariffs for residents of southern Kazakhstan», – noted the company’s general director Saken Muratov.
During the construction of the hydroelectric power station, up to 200 jobs were created, and after commissioning, 30 specialists were employed on a permanent basis. The management of new hydroelectric power stations is fully automated, and modern technologies reduce operating costs. The facilities are equipped with the latest equipment, which will ensure their long-term reliability.
The project with a total cost of 14.8 billion tenge is being implemented with the support of JSC «Development Bank of Kazakhstan», whose participation amounts to 9.5 billion tenge.
«The support for this project is fully in line with the Bank’s green energy development strategy. The natural and climatic conditions of the region and the hydropotential of the Baskan River made it possible to implement another hydroelectric power station for the Zhetysu region, which in turn will help reduce the existing deficit due to green electricity generated within the country», – emphasized Tulegen Karenov, senior banker of the Development Bank of Kazakhstan.
With the introduction of HPP-2 and HPP-3, 17 renewable energy facilities with a total capacity of more than 287 MW will operate in the Zhetysu region.
Aisulu Omarova (Zakon.kz)