Large-scale construction of hydroelectric power stations is planned in the East Kazakhstan region, which is causing concern among environmentalists. Over the next five years, six new hydroelectric power stations will be built, the commissioning of which is scheduled for 2027–2030. Their total capacity will be 93.3 MW. Among the projects, stations on the Bukhtarma River (50 MW), the Uydene and Zhemeney Rivers (4.5 and 2.4 MW, respectively), as well as two hydroelectric power stations on the Kalzhyr River with a total capacity of 35 MW stand out.
The head of the region’s energy and housing and communal services department, Nurlan Ramazanov, said that in 2024, for the first time in five years, the region achieved an electricity surplus of 0.07 billion kWh thanks to generation of 7.64 billion kWh. However, further development of energy infrastructure is associated with an increase in capacity by 595.3 MW of electricity and 1214 Gcal/h of heat until the end of 2030. It is also planned to modernize the existing capacities of the Ust-Kamenogorsk Thermal Power Plant and the Ust-Kamenogorsk HPP.
While the projects address the growing energy supply needs of the region, their implementation could lead to significant environmental impacts. The construction of hydroelectric power plants is often accompanied by changes in the hydrological regime of rivers, disruption of ecosystems and a reduction in biodiversity. Of particular concern are projects in the Katon-Karagai region of East Kazakhstan region — a unique natural area with rich flora and fauna.
«The choice in favor of building numerous small hydroelectric power stations, despite their status as renewable sources, should not obscure their significant and often irreversible impact on river ecosystems and biodiversity, — notes the director of the public fund «Rivers without Borders» Alexander Kolotov. – Projects for new hydroelectric power stations for eastern Kazakhstan appeared as a result of auctions for renewable energy sources held by the Ministry of Energy, but this procedure does not include any environmental restrictions economic considerations alone are taken into account».
Environmentalists are calling for a thorough environmental impact assessment before construction of a hydroelectric power station begins. Damage minimization measures are needed, including conservation of water resources, monitoring of ecosystem health and adaptation of technologies to reduce anthropogenic influence.
KazVesti
