Chairman of the Board of “Samruk-Kazyna” Fund, Nurlan Zhakupov, conducted a visit to the enterprises within the Ekibastuz energy complex of “Samruk-Energy” JSC. Kairat Maxutov, Chairman of the Board of “Samruk-Energy” JSC, provided a comprehensive update to the Fund's Head on the ongoing preparations for the upcoming autumn-winter heating season and the crucial investment projects underway in the country's energy sector.
The Ekibastuz energy complex comprises several entities under the power holding “Samruk-Energy” JSC, such as the renowned coal mines of “Bogatyr Komir” LLP and the power plants Ekibastuz SDPP-1 and SDPP-2. Kairat Maxutov assured that the repair work at these facilities is proceeding as planned, with the approval of the national dispatch center of the system operator “KEGOC” JSC. Furthermore, a systematic accumulation of coal in warehouses is well underway to meet the demands of the autumn season in 2023-2024.
The visit commenced at the “Bogatyr” coal mine of “Bogatyr Komir” LLP, Kazakhstan's largest open pit coal mining company. With a workforce of 6,550 employees, “Bogatyr Komir” LLP has an annual production capacity of 42 million tons of coal, 32 million of which are extracted from the “Bogatyr” open pit and 10 million from the “Severny” open pit. Impressively, at the end of 2022, “Bogatyr Komir” LLP accounted for approximately 40% (42.5 mln. tons) of Kazakhstan's total coal production. Their yearly thermal coal shipments cater to energy-producing organizations in both Kazakhstan and the Russian Federation.
During the visit to the Bogatyr open pit, Nurlan Zhakupov was briefed on the ongoing project to introduce a continuous and cyclic coal supply technology (CCT). This project, expected to be completed in August, will gradually reach its design capacity, thereby increasing fuel shipments to consumers.
The next point of visit was the power plant "Ekibastuz SDPP-1 named after Bulat Nurzhanov" LLP, a flagship entity in Kazakhstan's energy sector with an installed capacity of 4,000 MW and a disposable capacity of 3,500 MW. ESDPP-1 reached a remarkable milestone by generating 23 billion kWh of electricity by the end of 2022, marking a record achievement in its operational history. Notably, in the first six months of the current year, the station generated 11.2 billion kWh, surpassing the previous year's output by 3%.
During the visit, Nurlan Zhakupov inspected the block control panel of power unit No. 1 and gained insight into the progress of its restoration. Upon the unit's commissioning by the year's end, the plant's installed capacity will stand at 4,000 MW. The project's primary objective is to augment the plant's available capacity to meet the growing demand and reduce electricity shortages in Kazakhstan. The restoration of power unit No. 1 has also contributed to the creation of new jobs for 500-700 individuals during its implementation phase, with 54 individuals set to be employed during its operational period. Furthermore, the project ensures compliance with environmental standards through the installation of modern electrostatic precipitators. The timely completion of the "Restoration of power unit No. 1" project is firmly planned.
Currently, a significant overhaul of Power Unit No. 3 is underway, with long-term coal supply contracts already in place. Following a working trip that included visits to various energy facilities, the Chairman of the Board of "Samruk-Kazyna" JSC concluded the journey by inspecting "Ekibastuz SDPP-2 Station" JSC.
This power station boasts an installed electrical capacity of 1000 MW, producing approximately 6.0 billion kWh of electricity annually. Additionally, it supplies heat to the neighboring Solnechny village. Impressively, in the first six months of the current year, the station generated 3.0 billion kWh, marking a 5% increase compared to the same period last year.
The scheduled repair campaign for 2023 at the station is progressing as planned, with Power Unit No. 2 undergoing significant repairs from May 2 to July 26. Upon completion, the focus will shift to the current repairs of Power Unit No. 1. Adequate fuel reserves (coal and fuel oil) have been accumulated in the station's warehouses, ensuring timely delivery to support operations.
During the visit to SDPP-2, the Head of “Samruk-Kazyna” Fund also gained insights into the progress of projects related to the construction of power units No. 3 and No. 4 at the plant. Power unit No. 3 is anticipated to have a capacity of 636 MW, with a projected annual generation of 4.8 billion kWh. The commissioning of this power unit will substantially reduce the electricity shortage in the Republic of Kazakhstan.
“Samruk-Energy” JSC - the largest power holding company in Kazakhstan, established in 2007. Its main activities encompass the production of electricity and heat, transmission, distribution, and sale of electricity, as well as thermal coal mining. Within the holding, there are various energy and coal enterprises, including “Ekibastuz SDPP-1” LLP, “Ekibastuz SDPP-2 Plant” JSC, “Bogatyr Komir” LLP, “Almaty Power Plants” JSC, “Moynak HPP” JSC, “Shardarinsk HPP” JSC, and others. All of the company's shares, amounting to 100%, are owned by “Samruk-Kazyna” SWF JSC.