Today, in the Almaty region, a significant energy facility crucial for the region's economic development, the Kokozek substation (SS-110/10-10 kV), has been completed and launched. This project, executed by “Alatau Zharyk Company” JSC (AZhC JSC), aims to provide electricity to the Industrial Zone in the Karasai district, addressing the shortage of available capacity. Additionally, the new substation will ensure a reliable and uninterrupted power supply for small and medium-sized businesses and will enhance the potential for constructing essential social and cultural facilities in the region.

Several factors drove the necessity of constructing the 110/10 kV substation "Kokozek". The limited capacity for issuing additional electricity hindered the industrial growth of the region. The excessive load on existing substations in the area frequently led to equipment failures and power outages affecting consumers, including educational and healthcare institutions. Recognizing the severity of the issue, the leadership of the Almaty region, the Karasai district mayor office, and “AZhC” JSC decided to undertake the construction of this new substation.

The facility is equipped with high-voltage equipment sourced from leading global manufacturers, meeting contemporary standards for strategic and environmental safety.

The Kokozek substation's construction was funded by "AZhC" JSC, a subsidiary of the power holding company "Samruk-Energy" JSC, with a total project investment of 2.73 billion tenge.

The inauguration of the Kokozek substation involved the participation of the management of Samruk-Kazyna Fund, the Mayor Administration of Almaty region, “Samruk-Energy” JSC, and “Alatau Zharyk Company” JSC.

Kairat Maxutov, the Chairman of the Board of “Samruk-Energy” JSC, stated that construction of the new substation commenced in 2021 and adhered to the established timeline. This crucial energy facility will now offer dependable power supply to 346 small and medium-sized businesses, as well as 1,362 residential consumers in the area. Maxutov emphasized that the substation's establishment will create favorable conditions for the connection of additional consumers, further facilitating the development of production, businesses, and the construction of essential social facilities. For instance, two Comfortable schools, each accommodating 1,500 children in the villages of Kokozek and Eltai have already received technical approval for connection, as noted by the head of “Samruk-Energy” JSC.

As per insights from company experts, the advancement of Almaty energy system is on track. Within the framework of the investment program, there are ongoing efforts to modernize existing power grids, establish new ones, and revamp transformer substations by replacing outdated equipment. These strategic measures aim to increase the transmission capacity of power lines, reduce technical losses in electricity transmission, simplify the integration of new consumers, and enhance the overall voltage quality within the grid.

On September 29, 2023, a meeting of the Council of Ombudsmen from “Samruk-Kazyna” JSC group of companies was held in Ekibastuz city at “SDPP-1 named after B. Nurzhanov” LLP. The meeting brought together ombudsmen from “Kazakhtelecom” JSC, “Samruk-Energy” JSC, “KEGOC” JSC, NC “KazMunayGas” JSC, “EmbamunayGas” JSC, and “Bogatyr-Komir” LLP.

In his welcome speech, Serikbai Trumov, the presiding ombudsman of Samruk-Kazyna JSC, highlighted the work accomplished in the first quarter of the year, emphasizing the valuable contributions and engagement of the Public Council.

The agenda included a comprehensive overview of the electricity production process of “Samruk-Energy” JSC. Company ombudsman, Nariman Akylov, arranged a visit to “Bogatyr-Komir” LLP, providing insights into the coal mining cycle and its supply to state district power plants and thermal power plants. Subsequently, Asan Naurzgaliev, the General Director of “SDPP-1 named after B. Nurzhanov” LLP, conducted a comprehensive briefing, offering a detailed overview of the electricity production cycle.

Additionally, a visit to "First Wind Power Plant" LLP in Ereymentau city was arranged, providing participants with the opportunity to learn about the process of electricity generation using wind energy.

In the meeting's concluding segment, Ainur Umurzakova, the acting Head of the Center for Monitoring Social Stability at the PI "The Center for Social Cooperation and Communications” (CSCC) presented information regarding the current status of CMSS shared details about the new route of "Nysana" call center. This route is currently in the coordination and approval stage at Samruk-Kazyna Fund, and a report on the call-center’s operations for the third quarter of 2023 was delivered.

During the meeting, it was decided that the next Council of Ombudsmen would convene within the "Forum of Ombudsmen, Mediators, and Trade Union Leaders" in December of this year. This meeting underscored the importance of experience sharing and collaboration within  “Samruk-Kazyna” JSC group of companies, marking a significant milestone in the activities of “Samruk-Energy” JSC.

A meeting of the Public Council of “Samruk-Kazyna” Fund was convened in Astana under the chairmanship of Bolat Zhamishev. The primary agenda item for discussion during the meeting was the state of preparedness of heating facilities, grids, and electrical infrastructure for the forthcoming autumn-winter season.

Kairat Maxutov, the Chairman of the Board at “Samruk-Energy” JSC, played a prominent role as one of the key speakers during this gathering. He provided an update on the progress of the 2023 maintenance campaign at Ekibastuz SDPP-1, SDPP-2, Almaty CHP, and shared insights regarding the status of investment projects at energy facilities within "Samruk-Energy" JSC.

In accordance with CEO of Kazakhstani power holding company, the maintenance campaign had set out to service 83 primary equipment units throughout 2023, encompassing 9 power units, 13 turbine units, 20 boiler units, 21 hot water boilers, 18 hydraulic units, and 2 heating mains at CHP-2-Western thermal complex in Almaty.

For “Alatau Zharyk Company” JSC, the power transmission company in “Samruk-Energy” JSC's Almaty energy complex, there were plans for the repair of 169 kilometers of cable, 1990 kilometers of overhead lines, 202 substations within the 35-220 kV range, 631 transformer substations, and 869 distribution points, as well as 67 buildings and structures. It's worth noting that all the outlined work has been successfully completed, reaching a 100% accomplishment rate.

The necessary steps have been taken to obtain Passports of readiness to operate in the 2023-2024 autumn and winter period and all subsidiaries of “Samruk-Energy” JSC have submitted required materials for obtaining Readiness passports.

Coal supplies have been carried out according to the approved schedules, with a total coal reserve of 1,427.0 thousand tons in the warehouses of thermal stations operated by “Samruk-Energy” JSC, against a standard of 791.5 thousand tons. The standard coal supply level in the warehouses has been maintained.

In summary, as Kairat Maxutov emphasized, the 2023 maintenance campaign is on track to be completed fully and within the established timeline, as agreed upon with the System Operator.

“Samruk-Energy” JSC stands as the largest diversified energy holding company in Kazakhstan, encompassing the entire production chain from coal mining to electricity sales. The company is actively involved in electricity generation, coal mining, as well as electricity distribution and sales in the densely populated region of Kazakhstan - Almaty city and Almaty region.

The combined electricity production from “Samruk-Energy” JSC subsidiaries in 2022 reached 35.9 billion kWh, equivalent to approximately 32% of Kazakhstan's total electricity generation. Over the first 8 months of 2023, electricity generation amounted to 23 billion kWh, surpassing the plan with a performance of 101%. Heat supply was recorded at 4.0 million Gcal or 105% of the plan, while electricity transmission (AZhC JSC) totaled 5.7 billion kWh, surpassing the plan with a performance of 106%. Coal sales by “Bogatyr Komir” LLP amounted to 27.7 million tons, meeting the plan at 100%.

The XV Eurasian Forum KAZENERGY Kazakhstan Energy Week – 2023 (KEW-2023), is currently underway at the EXPO Congress Center in Astana.

 As a part of this forum, on October 3 this year, a high-level roundtable meeting of the Executive Committee of the CIS Electric Power Council focused on "Energy Security of the CIS Member States" The event brought together Vice-Ministers of Energy from CIS countries, including Kazakhstan, Belarus, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. Notably, the Chairman of the Board of “Samruk-Energy” JSC, Maxutov K.B., was also present at the meeting.

The roundtable was conducted in a face-to-face format, allowing the participants to engage in open dialogue about pressing matters in the realm of energy security. These discussions encompassed various aspects, including the utilization of fossil and renewable energy sources, as well as water and energy resources, all within the context of environmental responsibility.

During the discussions, Maxutov K.B., the Chairman of the Board of Samruk-Energy, underscored the company's commitment to energy security within the framework of its ten-year Development Strategy. Additionally, he emphasized the company's transition towards low-carbon development. However, he stressed the importance of a well-balanced and gradual transition to decarbonization, ensuring harmony between the goals of reducing carbon emissions and maintaining energy security.

Maxutov K.B. also shared Samruk-Energy's ambitious plans until 2030, which include the implementation of large-scale energy projects with a cumulative capacity of up to 10 GW. These projects encompass 3 GW in coal generation, 1 GW in gas generation, and a substantial 6 GW in renewable energy sources, including 1 GW in solar power plants and 5 GW in wind farms.

Furthermore, it was mentioned that Samruk-Energy, acting on behalf of the state, has been designated as the responsible organization for the construction project of Kambarata HPP-1 in the Kyrgyz Republic. The primary goal of this endeavor is to enhance the energy security of southern regions of Kazakhstan and ensure a stable water supply to these areas during the growing season.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the effective collaboration between countries in the electricity sector was recognized, and a commitment to continued cooperation in the aforementioned areas was reaffirmed.

According to the decision of the Board of Directors made on September 28, 2023, Nurlan Zhaparkhanov, who serves as the Managing Director for Legal Support and Asset Management, has been elected to the Management Board of “Samruk-Energy” JSC.

Zhaparkhanov Nurlan Altynkhanovich was born on May 26, 1982 in Almaty city.

He graduated from the Faculty of Law at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University in 2003.

In 2011, he earned an academic Master of Science degree in Law from Turan University in Astana city.

Since 2009, he has held various positions within “Samruk-Energy” JSC group of companies.

By the decision of the Board of Directors dated September 28, 2023, Almasbi Kamalov was elected to the Management Board of “Samruk-Energy” JSC as the Managing Director for Economics and Finance.

Kamalov Almasbi Nizamaddinovich was born on April 7, 1989.

He graduated from the Kazakhstan Institute of Management, Economics and Strategic Research (KIMEP) in 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Accounting.

He is currently pursuing his MBA at the University of Warwick in the United Kingdom and holds the professional qualification of CFA Level II.

From 2011 to 2014, he was employed in various subsidiaries of “Samruk-Energy” JSC.

From 2014, his career has progressed within the Department of Strategic Planning and Economic Analysis at “Samruk-Energy” JSC, where he has advanced from a senior manager to the director of the department.

The second Youth Forum of “Samruk-Energy” JSC was held on the previous Thursday in Astana city. This event brought together over a hundred young employees from Kazakhstan's largest electric power holding company, marking a significant stride in fostering interaction and support for the emerging generation of specialists within the group of companies. The gathering of young energy professionals from Samruk-Energy was made possible through active involvement from the youth movement of the Company “Jas Energy”.

The primary objective of the forum was to unite the youth from various subsidiaries and affiliated organizations of “Samruk-Energy” JSC to facilitate the overall organizational development of the company. This Forum provided participants with a unique opportunity to establish new friendly and professional connections with their colleagues, exchange experiences and ideas, thereby contributing to their personal and professional growth.

The forum was inaugurated by Ruslan Turgambaev, Managing Director for Production and Asset Management of “Samruk-Energy” JSC. In his welcoming speech, Ruslan Turgambaev conveyed the greetings of the Chairman of the Board of the Company, Kairat Maxutov, and extended his best wishes for the productive proceedings of the forum. Moreover, Ruslan Turgambaev underscored the significance of forging new acquaintances, fostering creative innovations, and sparking initiatives that can serve as catalysts for the company's future projects.

Following the opening, the organizers and participants of the modular program "Zheti Kadam" continued to engage with the forum. This initiative is geared towards nurturing young and proficient employees of the Samruk-Kazyna Fund and its portfolio companies. Forty-nine active participants from various companies were selected to acquire management competencies, thereby enhancing their communication skills, teamwork abilities, and understanding of key principles in financial planning.

During the forum, participants of "Zheti Kadam" program from “Samruk-Energy” JSC, namely Aselia Mendybaeva (Ekibastuz SDPP-1), Chingiz Zhuyrikov (AlmatyEnergoSbyt), Gulmanat Zhuman, and Madiyar Kulkashev (AZhC), shared their experiences, discussed challenges, achievements, and emotions they encountered during their learning journey. These speakers encouraged their fellow energy workers to demonstrate more initiative within the holding's enterprises and fielded questions from the audience.

Subsequently, forum participants showcased their knowledge and skills in an intellectual game called "Qwiz." Interestingly, some of the most challenging questions in the quiz were posed by members of “Samruk-Energy” JSC Management Board.

The day's agenda featured active team-building activities inspired by the well-known television program "Fort Boyard". Participants were divided into teams and completed various gaming competitions. Such collaborative efforts aimed to foster unity within the team to achieve shared objectives.

The forum spanned the entire day and concluded with an enjoyable gala dinner featuring interactive games, competitions, and a vibrant disco. All attendees left the event with a multitude of emotions and a significant boost of energy. The young energy professionals established new friendships and gained a deeper understanding of their peers.

The Second Youth Forum of “Samruk-Energy” JSC underscored the importance of focusing on young talent, their personal growth, and professional development. The Forum reiterated the organization's commitment to creating a conducive environment for advancement and growth.

One of the notable projects undertaken by “Samruk-Energy” JSC in the realm of renewable energy source development involves the refurbishment and modernization of the HPP Cascade situated in the Almaty region. This power station stands as one of the region's oldest facilities and is under the ownership of “APP” JSC, which is a subsidiary of the largest Kazakh electric power conglomerate.

A meeting was recently convened in Astana between the executive staff of “Samruk-Energy” JSC and representatives from the Swiss consulting firm, AFRY Switzerland. The primary agenda of this meeting revolved around assessing and discussing the prospects of a comprehensive initiative aimed at investigating the potential for upgrading Kazakhstani hydropower plants, specifically focusing on HPP Cascade.

AFRY Switzerland specializes in diverse sectors such as energy, industry, infrastructure, and information technology. The World Bank has enlisted their expertise as part of a collaborative effort with the Republic of Kazakhstan in the hydropower sector to enhance the efficiency of environmentally friendly power generation facilities.

During this meeting, Kairat Maxutov, the Chairman of the Board of “Samruk-Energy” JSC, along with the company's experts in design and production, were presented with a work plan and proposed solutions regarding the execution of research endeavors associated with the revitalization and modernization of hydropower plants. According to Kairat Maxutov, the project's primary objective is to harness the hydraulic resources of Bolshaya Almatinka River effectively, thereby amplifying electricity generation at the rejuvenated hydropower stations.

As informed during the meeting, the feasibility study, planned by the Swiss company, will encompass two phases, culminating in an analytical report delineating technological specifications, project costs, and the timeline for implementation.

Subsequent to the discussions held in Astana, AFRY Switzerland's technical consultants intend to travel to Almaty for on-site research at the HPP Cascade.

The II Conference on Kazakhstan-China Cooperation in the field of renewable energy development and Kazakhstan's science took place in Astana. The event, themed "Hand in hand towards a carbon-neutral future" was organized jointly by the Association of Renewable Energy of Kazakhstan and the Chinese state company China Power International Development Limited (CPID).

Delegates from "Samruk-Energy" JSC participated in the energy forum. Speaking at the conference, Ansar Aidarov, the head of the Project Office of Kazakhstan's largest power holding company, emphasized the pivotal role the company plays in the Republic's electricity market. He also shared ambitious plans for executing renewable energy projects, including partnerships with Chinese counterparts.

To address the anticipated surge in electricity demand, Ansar Aidarov disclosed that "Samruk-Energy" JSC group of companies is presently engaged in several extensive projects. These initiatives encompass the establishment of renewable energy facilities in collaboration with Chinese partners in Almaty and Zhambyl regions. One of these projects is related to expanding the renewable energy project that was commissioned in the Shelek corridor of Almaty region in 2022.

Additionally, a representative from "Samruk-Energy" JSC informed about the company's strategic directions for transitioning toward low-carbon development. In 2022, the power holding company approved the Energy Transition Program for the years 2022-2060, with the primary objective being the reduction of the carbon footprint of the corporate group, ultimately aiming to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060.

Discussions on various aspects of mutually beneficial collaboration continued at “Samruk-Energy” JSC premises. Here, representatives from Chinese energy organizations met with Kairat Maxutov, the Chairman of the Board of "Samruk-Energy" JSC, as well as the heads of the company's production units. Both sides exchanged insights on several pertinent energy-related matters and emphasized the importance of maintaining ongoing communication.

Representatives from "Samruk-Energy" JSC attended the meeting of the heads of the energy and water supply government agencies of the Republics of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan to discuss the collaboration between the three nations in these areas.

Almassadam Satkaliyev, the Republic of Kazakhstan's Minister of Energy, and Galidulla Azidullin, the RK Vice Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, both attended the negotiations on behalf of the Kazakh side. Kairat Maxutov, the Chairman of the Board at “Samruk-Energy” JSC, also attended the meeting.

The negotiations in Astana focused primarily on the interaction between the republics within the framework of the Central Asian Unified Energy System in the upcoming autumn and winter of 2023–2024, including the provision of electricity in the region, as well as the implementation of the project for the construction of the Kambarata HPP–1 in neighboring Kyrgyzstan.

The meeting participants decided to continue working on issues related to the electricity metering mechanism, the resolution of irregular electricity flows between the economic operators of the republics, and its transit from third countries during discussions of current issues in the development of the energy sector of neighboring Central Asian states. Additionally, the parties pledged that they would do every effort to properly navigate the approaching autumn-winter period within the framework of mutual support given the region's low water period.

  The three nations' collaboration in the areas of water and energy will continue to be discussed and consulted on. Before the end of this year, the heads of the energy and water supply ministries of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan will meet again.