The CEOs of Samruk-Energy, CHN Energy Investment Corporation, and EN+ Holding convened via video conference to explore collaborative opportunities for projects in Kazakhstan. They specifically discussed plans to enhance coal extraction at the Bogatyr mine and to build Ekibastuz GRES-3 and thermal power plants in the Almaty region. Kairat Maxutov, Chairman of the Board of Samruk-Energy, highlighted the potential for cooperation in coal chemistry development and emissions reduction at coal-fired plants. He suggested forming a working group with representatives from all companies to continue their joint efforts.

Following the meeting, the company leaders signed a trilateral cooperation agreement to strengthen collaboration between Samruk-Energy, CHN Energy, and EN+.

EN+ Holding leads in low-carbon metallurgy and renewable energy globally, operating as the top aluminum producer and managing energy and thermal assets.

CHN Energy, China Energy Investment Corporation, is China's leading energy and mining firm, with operations in power generation and the world's largest coal mines.

In 2022, “Almaty Power Plants" JSC (APP) established the Women's Club with the aim of empowering women and broadening their roles within the production sphere. In a short period of time, the club's membership surged past 600 individuals. Its members engage not only in topical discussions but also actively seek pragmatic solutions which they subsequently implement. Consequently, the Women's Club has evolved into an invaluable platform for the generation of fresh ideas and the facilitation of personal as well as professional growth.

The most recent club meeting convened at the B. Orazbayev TPP-1. The agenda included discussions on performance results for the past period and current plans. Additionally, participants took the opportunity to exchange viewpoints on diverse subjects ranging from child upbringing practices to the importance of constructive feedback, and reading books.

"The Women's Club is a wonderful platform that allows women to work together, exchange experiences, learn new things, and develop in their profession. Such meetings not only contribute to strengthening the team but also help each participant unleash their potential," believes Dina Abdimazhit, an engineer-technologist at the commissioning and environmental activities department of TPP-1.

Ular Ryskulova, a chemical analysis laboratory assistant at the commissioning and environmental activities department of TPP-2 named after A. Zhakutov, shared that her involvement at the meeting sparked a newfound interest in literary fiction while simultaneously enriching her knowledge base.

Anastasia Bykova, an economist at TPP-3, is participating in the club's work for the second time.

"I enjoyed the discussion on the 'hamburger principle'. It was interesting to listen to how other people shared their stories. Each story allowed me to draw a certain conclusion for myself. We also exchanged valuable time-management life hacks” says Anastasia Bykova.

“Samruk-Energy” JSC group of companies will provide financial assistance in the amount of 1 billion tenge to eliminate the aftermath of floods in affected regions. These funds will be channeled to Samruk-Kazyna Trust Fund.

Today, a meeting of the Emergency Response Team, led by Nurlan Zhakupov, the Head of Samruk-Kazyna Fund, convened with the participation of portfolio companies. The focus of the meeting was on discussing strategies to prevent and manage natural disasters.

It is important to highlight that there have been no instances of flooding at energy facilities in regions where "Samruk-Energy" JSC operates. All subsidiary organizations are operating in normal mode and there is no imminent risk of flooding. The situation remains under control.

Plans for preparing equipment, buildings, and hydro-technical structures for the passage of the spring discharge for environmental conservation have been developed and approved at the Shulbinsk and Ust-Kamenogorsk hydroelectric power plants.

Daily monitoring of the water level regime in reservoirs, compliance of environmental discharges with the specified discharge rates by the Committee of Water Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and control over the absence of flooding in the lower reaches of the hydroelectric power plants are being conducted.

A meeting was held with Acwa Power to discuss key issues regarding the implementation of a 1 GW wind power plant project in the Zhetysu region. The parties noted progress in the project implementation, including the signing of the Intergovernmental Agreement between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Kazakhstan on March 7, 2024.

Furthermore, the participants explored the potential for broadening collaboration with Acwa Power in the realm of carbon-neutral energy production. Beyond energy-related endeavors, they delved into cooperative efforts focused on nurturing human resources. Acwa Power demonstrated its willingness to support the training of fresh talent in the energy industry and the enhancement of skills among local workforce members.

Discussions surrounding the implementation of the thermal power plant (TPP) construction initiative in Kokshetau city were the main focus at a meeting held in the Akmola region. Among those in attendance were Vice Minister of Energy Sungat Yesimkhanov, Chairman of the Board of "Samruk-Energy" JSC Kairat Maxutov, the akim (governor) of the Akmola region Marat Akhmetzhanov, along with representatives from "Inter RAO Export" LLC.

Ansar Aidarov, Chief Investment Officer of “Samruk-Energy” JSC, provided a comprehensive update on the commencement of pre-project and project activities, outlining future plans for the endeavor. He emphasized the completion of the project's technical and economic groundwork.

During the session, discussions revolved around key milestones in TPP construction and financial aspects of the project. As a result, a detailed draft Roadmap has been formulated to guide the establishment of a thermal power plant in Kokshetau.

It's noteworthy to mention that in November 2023, during a significant meeting between the Heads of States of Kazakhstan and Russia, a significant memorandum of cooperation was signed between the Ministries of Kazakhstan and Russia, earmarking Kokshetau, Semey, and Ust-Kamenogorsk for TPP construction projects. “Samruk-Energy” JSC and “INTER RAO Export” LLC were designated as the principal entities entrusted with overseeing the implementation of these projects.

Chairman of the Board of “Samruk-Energy” JSC, Kairat Maxutov, visited the Ansaldo Energia plant in Genoa, Italy, to observe the production process of gas turbines. In January of this year, during the President of Kazakhstan's visit to Italy, an agreement was signed with Ansaldo Energia for the supply of 2 sets of gas turbine units for the reconstruction of Almaty CHP-3. Deliveries of gas turbines and generators are planned for 2025.

During his official visit, the CEO of Samruk-Energy, Kairat Maxutov, held a meeting with the General Director of Ansaldo Energia S.p.A, Fabrizio Fabbri. The discussions revolved around collaboration in manufacturing high-tech energy equipment, localizing gas turbine production, and establishing service centers in Kazakhstan. These initiatives aim to foster favorable conditions for cost reduction of power equipment, knowledge sharing, and skill enhancement among Kazakhstani specialists.

Ansaldo Energia S.p.A is the largest energy company in Europe, specializing in the engineering, manufacturing, and maintenance of power station equipment.

Kairat Maxutov, Chairman of the Board of “Samruk-Energy” JSC, met with Zhang Xing, Chairman of the Chinese company TBEA, focusing on cooperation regarding energy projects.

During the meeting, Zhang Xing expressed TBEA's willingness to engage in joint projects encompassing conventional energy, renewable energy sources, and substation construction. He also shared insights into the company's achievements in reducing emissions of harmful substances into the atmosphere and proposed sending TBEA experts to exchange knowledge with Kazakh specialists.

Following the dialogue, Samruk-Energy and TBEA reached an agreement to formalize their collaboration through the signing of a memorandum. This memorandum will facilitate joint exploration of coal gasification technology, efforts to reduce harmful emissions into the atmosphere, and the renovation of power plants.

For reference: TBEA is a Chinese electrical company specializing in the production of equipment and components for solar energy, as well as transformers and other electrical equipment.

Samruk-Energy joyously marked the arrival of spring and the renewal of nature by celebrating Nauryz Meiramy. Employees donned traditional Kazakh attire, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the nation. A festive dastarkhan, featuring an array of national dishes, was set up in the hall. Girls in traditional costumes treated event participants to the main dish of the celebration – nauryz-kozhe.

The performance by artists and the sounds of the dombra added a special atmosphere to the celebration. A competition among the employees tested their knowledge of national customs and traditions.

As part of the Nauryz Meiramy celebration, the 'Tusaukeser' ceremony was also conducted. Bekbas Orazbek Telbaevich, Chairman of the NGO 'Local Trade Union Samruk-Energy cut the lace that was tied around the baby's legs, offering him heartfelt wishes for a smooth and bright future ahead.

Kairat Maxutov, the Chairman of the Board of “Samruk-Energy" JSC has directed heads of subsidiary organizations to prioritize safe working conditions and strive for zero injuries. He underscored the importance of fostering an even stronger safety culture within the company.

In pursuit of these objectives, Samruk-Energy organized training sessions in 2023 for its employees in occupational safety services, drawing from international programs like NEBOSH, IOSH, and the "Safety Culture" course. Trainers who completed these programs are now sharing their expertise with colleagues, thereby enhancing the workforce's proficiency in safe practices.

Moreover, the "Safe Production" initiative has been rolled out across all subsidiary organizations of Samruk-Energy. The implementation of an information system has led to improved efficiency in occupational health and safety departments, reduced accident risks, and a decrease in workplace injuries.

In addition, proactive safety culture indicators have been integrated into all production units. This includes the introduction of behavioral safety audits, the implementation of a mechanism for employees to halt unsafe work (STOP card), and the promotion of collective responsibility.

"Intensifying efforts to ensure safe working conditions and taking proactive measures to prevent accidents among employees is crucial," noted Kairat Maxutov, Chairman of the Board of "Samruk-Energy" JSC.

Post-meeting, he outlined safety and occupational health objectives for 2024. These encompass further digitization of production processes, the adoption of smart helmets and chest cameras for operational staff, and the development of a unified standard for protective clothing tailored to the nuances of production.

Chairman of the Board of Samruk-Energy, Kairat Maxutov, conducted on-site meetings at Ekibastuz SDPP-1, Ekibastuz SDPP-2, and Bogatyr Komir LLP.

During his visit, Maxutov inspected the progress of the restoration works on Unit 1 at Ekibastuz SDPP-1 and received updates on the performance during the autumn-winter period, as well as the modernization of Unit 3. Subsequently, he chaired another meeting of Samruk-Energy's Investment and Innovation Council to discuss the reconstruction and modernization of the fuel supply production complex.

At Ekibastuz SDPP-2, Maxutov was briefed on the progress of the autumn and winter period (AWP). The heating season at both Ekibastuz SDPP-1 and Ekibastuz SDPP-2 is proceeding smoothly, with surplus fuel reserves. Discussions during the meeting covered planned repair works for 2024 and the progress of the project to expand and reconstruct ESDPP-2 plant with the installation of third and fourth generating units.

At Bogatyr Komir LLP, Maxutov received updates on the implementation of projects for cyclic-flow coal mining technology and cyclic-flow overburden complex. Additionally, discussions focused on the future development of coal sales markets.