To explore the potential for entering into a contract regarding the purchase and sale of electricity, the Partnership arranged a visit for “Kazakh-French Enterprise “KATCO” LLP representatives. The visit took place on April 25, 2023, and included tours of a 1 MW solar power plant in Almaty and a 5 MW wind power plant in Nurly rural area in Enbekshikazakh district.
During the visit, Mr. Temirbaev N.S., Deputy General Director for Production - Chief Engineer, and Mr. Aubakirov E.E., Engineer of RES and HSE, acquainted the staff of “Kazakh-French Enterprise “KATCO” LLP with the operational aspects of these power plants. Furthermore, discussions were held regarding the potential for enhanced mutual collaboration in the realm of sustainable energy.
Author: Bektasov Dias-Esimzhan Baurzhanuly, senior manager of Production Efficiency Department, "Samruk-Energy" JSC.
To mitigate the adverse environmental impact, a need arises for equipment modernization and incorporation of contemporary technologies into new investment ventures. An all-encompassing strategy is vital for fostering an environmentally conscious culture. "Samruk-Energy" JSC is dedicated to the advancement and implementation of state-of-the-art technologies, including emission-capturing technologies.
On August 25, 2022, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between “ESDPP-1” LLP and “Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Power Environmental Solutions, LTD”. The aim is a collaborative exploration of MEEP (Moving Electrode Electrostatic Precipitator) technology's application. This innovative technology facilitates the reduction of particulate matter emissions in line with European standards.
“Samruk-Energy” JSC anticipates that MEEP technology will enhance the performance of the existing electrostatic precipitators at ESDPP-1 power plant. To initiate this study, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Power Environmental Solutions, LTD dispatched experts to inspect the current electrostatic precipitators at SDPP-1 power plant from April 11 to 15 of this year.
Initial assessments of the installed electrostatic precipitators at ESDPP-1 indicate that an equivalent reduction in ash concentration output could be achieved by incorporating 2 MEEP fields alongside the reconstruction of 3 existing electric fields.
Furthermore, “Samruk-Energy” JSC is engaged in collaboration with the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Power Environmental Solutions, LTD group concerning Total Air Quality Control System (AQCS) initiatives, encompassing sulfur (DeSOx) and nitrogen oxides (DeNOx) reduction.
“Samruk-Energy” JSC is committed to further concerted actions aimed at diminishing environmental impact, working closely with the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Power Environmental Solutions, LTD group.
The electric power enterprises within Almaty energy complex of “Samruk-Energy” JSC are concluding the autumn-winter heating period of 2022-2023.
Throughout this season, the power stations ensured an uninterrupted supply of heat and electricity to the residents of Almaty city and Almaty region. However, the accidents that occurred during the winter at thermal power plants and heating networks in various cities of the country are increasingly causing concerns among power engineers at Samruk-Energy.
As highlighted by “Almaty Power Plants” JSC (APP), despite the challenging autumn and winter conditions, the company's enterprises delivered heat in its entirety as per consumer demand. Approximately 20 boiler units and 13 steam turbines remained operational. Within this period, a total of 2.9 billion kWh of electricity and about 4.7 million Gcal of heat were generated.
The energy transmission company “AZhC” JSC performed works on over 2,000 km of overhead and cable lines, conducted repairs on more than 900 power transformers and substation equipment, and rehabilitated over 70 power facilities. The dedication of the company's employees contributed to the reliable operation of power plants and the maintenance of power line capacity.
Concurrently, specialists from Almaty energy complex of “Samruk-Energy” JSC are increasingly expressing concerns due to the mounting issues connected to the slow pace of commissioning new capacities and the diminishing safety margin of existing generation sources. Presently, the degree of wear of primary equipment at “APP” JSC stations stands at 78.7%.
According to industry experts, energy-producing organizations in Kazakhstan are facing financial shortages for capital repairs, ash dump construction, and the modernization, expansion, and renewal of critical assets. The current geopolitical circumstances worldwide, resulting in the disruption of historically established technological ties with manufacturers of generating equipment, are exacerbating this situation. Ultimately, this contributes to escalated costs for energy-producing entities. For instance, the cost of pipes for steam boilers and pipelines has surged by 236% in a span of two years.
Despite these challenges, the power engineers within “Samruk-Energy” JSC group of companies continue to fulfill their commitments to suppliers by providing uninterrupted heat and electricity. During the well-known crisis situations involving heat sources last winter in several cities of the country, specialists from the companies under the power holding company's umbrella assisted in resolving accidents and conducting technical inspections of energy sources and heating plants in Ekibastuz, as well as at Karaganda CHP-1, CHP-3, Karaganda GRES-1, CHP- 2 in Temirtau city, and Balkhash TPP. "Samruk-Energy" JSC has initiated the development of a feasibility study for construction of CHP-3 in Semey city.
“Samruk-Energy” JSC informs that on March 20, 2023, the Commission of the Fund for Preliminary Qualification Selection approved the category "Implementation of a large-scale investment project for the turnkey construction of a natural gas-based power plant for generation of electricity and heat" which is being procured among qualified potential suppliers. "Almaty Power Plants" JSC acts as the project owner.
To participate in the preliminary qualification selection, it is necessary to register on the electronic procurement portal of “SWF "Samruk-Kazyna" JSC at zakup.sk.kz and submit an application for the chosen category. The preliminary qualification of potential suppliers is conducted by the Qualification authority represented by "Samruk-Kazyna Contract" LLP.
On March 10, 2023, a regular open meeting of the Public Council chaired by Bolat Zhamishev took place in Samruk-Kazyna. The topic of the meeting – Health & Safety in the Fund’s Group of Companies.
The meeting gathered Kazakhstani public figures, politicians and experts. Gibrat Auganov, the Managing Director of Samruk-Kazyna for Public Relations, Social and Labor Relations and Occupational Safety, answered their questions. The event attracted a lot of media attention.
Employee health - the personal responsibility of management
According to him, last year the first specialized H&S forum was held in the Samruk-Kazyna group. The Fund entrusted the Heads of 13 largest portfolio companies with personal responsibility for the safety and health of employees at that event. During the year, similar labor protection events were held for the first time in Kazakhtelecom, KEGOC, QazaqGaz and Samruk-Kazyna Ondeu. The Heads of subsidiaries, branches and structural divisions have already assumed obligations to ensure the safety of employees there.
The Heads of the CEO-1 level of the Samruk-Kazyna companies responsible for H&S have the obligation to check production sites at least once every 2 months. Last year, they conducted 43 such inspections.
Thanks to the work carried out in 2022, the total number of the injured of industrial accidents in the Fund group was reduced by 16% compared to 2021. The rate of injury with disability LTIF was 0.16. The rate of deaths decreased by 11%.
Training according to the best international standards
To improve industrial safety in the Samruk-Kazyna group, training and seminars are constantly held so that employees and managers take a responsible approach to safety issues and demonstrate leadership and involvement by their example. The training is conducted not only according to mandatory programs in accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan on labor protection, industrial and fire safety, but also according to the most modern international practices.
Thus, 98 employees have been trained on courses from the National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health of Great Britain (NEBOSH). According to the course of the British Institute of Safety and Health (IOSH) - 286 employees. Another 2,430 employees have completed defensive driving course.
Samruk-Kazyna has also developed its own corporate training course “Occupational Safety Culture”, which has been approved by the British IOSH Institute. The Fund plans to train 100% of production workers on it.
In addition, there is a constant exchange of experience in the field of occupational safety, not only within the Fund group, but also with other leading companies in Kazakhstan. Recently, employees of the industrial safety services of Samruk-Kazyna companies have visited colleagues from Tengizchevroil, North Caspian Operating Company, Karachaganak Petroleum Operating. Kazpost employees visited the Trade and Transport Company as part of the exchange of experience. AlES employees got acquainted with electrical safety at the power complex of SKZ-U LLP.
The Fund’s group of companies is also actively implementing digital solutions and automated systems aimed at reducing injuries and preventing industrial accidents. Readiness to eliminate possible emergencies is ensured by conducting joint training alarms and emergency response training with portfolio companies.
Opinions and suggestions of experts
The topic of occupational safety aroused the interest of experts and public figures. The Head of the Labor and Social Protection Committee of the Ministry of Labor, Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Kazakhstan Tolegen Ospankulov noted that the work of many production workers, in particular railway fitters, is itself associated with physical exertion and health risks. Gibrat Auganov noted that Samruk-Kazyna controls that an effective accident insurance system works in each company of the Fund group.
Askar Amanbai from Bureau Veritas asked whether the Samruk-Kazyna Group is developing international cooperation in the field of labor protection. Gibrat Auganov replied that each of the holding companies exchanges experience with foreign partners in this area. For example, KTZh cooperates with the International Union of Railways, oil and gas companies - with foreign business partners.
Alimzhan Bekmagambetov from the Republican Research Institute for Labor Protection of the Ministry of Labor, Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Kazakhstan suggested that Samruk-Kazyna use not only international experience in this area, but also the achievements of Kazakhstani specialists. Gibrat Auganov said that the Fund is open to new ideas and is ready to meet with domestic experts. Bolat Zhamishev suggested that they conduct an independent examination of the activities of the Fund’s group on labor protection.
“We need to pay great attention to the issue of labor protection and never stop there. Security needs to be dealt with daily. This corresponds, among other things, to the principles of ESG, according to which the Samruk-Kazyna Fund operates. We need to define clearly the level and directions of investments that we are ready to invest in occupational safety. For example, in the purchase of new technical equipment. Our companies already have successful examples of such innovations. At the same time, it is necessary to pay attention to labor protection not only at our enterprises, but also in contracting organizations”,- Bolat Zhamishev, the Chairman of the Public Council, member of the Board of Directors of Samruk-Kazyna, summed up.
An informal gathering of HR specialists from various subsidiaries of “Samruk-Energy” JSC (including “Alatau Zharyk Company” JSC, “Almaty Power Plants” JSC, “AlmatyEnergoSbyt” LLP, “Shardarinsk HPP” JSC, “Moynak HPP” JSC, and “Samruk Green Energy” LLP) took place in Almaty city.
During this meeting, the HR management of the Fund represented by Karimova E.R., introduced the attendees to the new Human Resources Policy of the Fund. The HR professionals from subsidiaries learned about the policy's new directions, its primary objectives, and the newly established corporate values of the Fund, often referred to as HIT. Representatives from the Fund addressed inquiries from the participants, addressing topics such as PYTP, salary enhancements, moratorium, and related matters.
Additionally, the meeting attendees displayed interest in the innovative offerings of “Samruk Business Academy” PI, as they were presented by its director, Dzhumagazieva Sh.K. These offerings include the HR School, IR School, PR School, among others.
To help subsidiary companies get a better understanding of the latest trends and most effective HR practices, they've been given the opportunity to participate in the annual HR conference. Furthermore, they were proposed a productive collaboration with “Samruk Business Academy” PI.
With the aim of fostering closer collaboration and interaction, at the Fund's initiative, a decision has been made to establish a common chat comprising staff from the subsidiaries and the HR management of the Fund. During an informal meeting held with the HR team from “Samruk-Energy” JSC SA, the Fund's HR management introduced the new HR Policy of the Fund.
"Samruk-Green Energy" LLP, a company within the structure of "Samruk-Energy" JSC has registered its solar power plant in the database of "ECOJER" Association to obtain green electricity certificates known as I-REC.
"Samruk-Green Energy" LLP functions as a company in the renewable energy sector and recognizes how its actions influence the country's economy, natural surroundings, and society. With this primary goal in mind, the company has established an ongoing dedication to sustainable development principles. This dedication supports the advancement of a balanced alignment of stakeholders' concerns and the application of a risk-oriented approach to management. This approach is aimed at achieving lasting value growth and strengthening competitiveness over the long term.
As part of its support for ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) principles, Samruk-Green Energy has registered four stations in the "ECOJER" Association's database to acquire I-REC green electricity certificates.
I-REC certificates validate information about electricity generation from renewable sources and can prove beneficial for both certificate buyers and electricity generators.
Companies purchasing I-REC certificates can declare a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions associated with electricity production. In turn, organizations producing green electricity gain a new market-based mechanism for financial support.
I-REC certificates are issued based on an international standard developed by The International REC Foundation and are recognized by GHGP, CDP, RE100, ISO, and others.
The Ekibastuz energy complex under "Samruk-Energy" JSC comprises three key players in Kazakhstan's energy sector: "Ekibastuz SDPP-1 named after B. Nurzhanov" LLP, "Ekibastuz SDPP-2 Station" JSC, and “Bogatyr Komir" LLP.
Recently, Serik Tutebayev, the Chairman of the Board of "Samruk-Energy" JSC, made a business trip to the production sites of these companies.
As the CEO of Kazakhstan's largest electricity holding company, Tutebayev learned about the ongoing operations of these enterprises, assessed the technical condition of the main and supporting equipment within the power plants. Power engineers-experts also engaged in discussions on the power plants' operations during the cold season (the autumn-winter heating period of 2022/2023) and the advancements in investment projects. It's noteworthy that “Samruk-Energy” JSC is in the process of restoring the final of the eight power units at Ekibastuz SDPP-1 and is currently engaged in pre-project activities for the construction of new power units at Ekibastuz SDPP-2.
One of the significant projects includes the upcoming launch this summer of the continuous flow coal mining technology at "Bogatyr" open pit mine under "Bogatyr Komir" LLP. This new technology will elevate the enterprise's designed capacity to 50 million tons of coal annually. Moreover, it will enhance the quality characteristics of the products, ensure precise weighing during coal loading into railway cars, and cut the turnaround time of cars while loading coal by three times.
In February of 2023, the initial phase of the tender for constructing a new combined cycle gas turbine unit as part of Almaty CHP-2 conversion to gas project will conclude. During the same year, a contractor will be chosen for the station, and construction and installation works will commence. By 2025, the reconstruction of Almaty CHP-3 will be finished, including the launch of two combined cycle gas turbine units with a total capacity of 543.6 MW. In December 2023, there are plans to commission the restored power unit No. 1 with a capacity of 500 MW at Ekibastuz SDPP-1, and efforts will persist to expand Ekibastuz SDPP-2 by adding two new power units. Initial pre-project activities for the construction of Ekibastuz SDPP-3 are already in progress.
The meeting in Almaty city, which took place during a business trip by Samruk-Kazyna's Chairman of the Board, Almassadam Satkaliyev, to the facilities of “Samruk-Energy” JSC's Almaty energy complex, centered on the execution of significant energy sector projects.
As per the Fund's CEO, energy sector plays a pivotal role in the nation's economic development. Without sufficient available energy capacity, Kazakhstan cannot advance its industry or other vital sectors of the economy.
During the meeting, the heads of companies within “Samruk-Energy” JSC group, namely “Almaty Power Plants” JSC and “Alatau Zharyk Company” JSC, unveiled an array of ongoing projects in the region. Additionally, representatives from “QazaqGaz” NC” JSC provided updates on the progress of external gas infrastructure construction for Almaty CHP-2 and CHP-3.
Serik Tutebayev, the head of “Samruk-Energy” JSC, highlighted that essential infrastructure projects in the nation's energy sector are unfolding in the Ekibastuz and Almaty energy complexes. Some new facilities are already operational, while others are expected to be completed by 2030. These projects include:
- The rehabilitation of power unit No. 1 at SDPP-1, featuring the installation of new electrostatic precipitators. This endeavor will boost the station's capacity to the planned 4,000 MW, with construction and installation work set to conclude and the unit commissioned in December 2023.
- The expansion and reconstruction of Ekibastuz SDPP-2, incorporating the installation of power unit No. 3. This addition will increase the plant's installed capacity by 636 MW, resulting in an additional 4.8 billion kWh per year. The project is planned to be completed by 2026.
- The expansion and reconstruction of Ekibastuz SDPP-2, involving the installation of power unit No. 4. This initiative will raise the plant's installed capacity by 636 MW, providing an extra 4.8 billion kWh annually. The anticipated implementation period is 2027.
- The expansion and reconstruction of Ekibastuz SDPP-2, incorporating the installation of power units No. 5 and No. 6. This project is expected to be carried out between 2029 and 2030.
- The construction of Ekibastuz SDPP-3, a new plant with an increased capacity of 1200 MW. It will utilize existing infrastructure and employ cutting-edge technologies to reduce emissions into the environment. The timeline for this project is 2028 to 2029.
- The reconstruction of cable networks in Almaty and Almaty region. This project aims to reduce losses in cable lines and minimize emergency shutdowns. It will be implemented in phases until 2030.
- The development of the Shelek energy center's networks. The Almaty region holds significant potential for renewable energy sources, and this initiative will enhance the network economy of the Shelek energy hub to harness the region's renewable energy construction potential. This project is set for implementation in 2025.
- The construction of the counter-regulating Kerbulak HPP on the Ili River, intended to boost the regulating capacity of the Kapshagai HPP from 80 to 150 MW. The implementation period for this project is 2026.
- The modernization of Almaty CHP-2 with a focus on minimizing its environmental impact. The construction of a new facility at the site of the old one will reduce environmental harm in Almaty by transitioning CHP-2 to firing natural gas. An open two-stage international tender has been initiated, and facility agreement has been signed with the EBRD. In April, similar loan agreements are scheduled to be signed with ADB and DBK. The anticipated implementation period is 2026.
- The reconstruction of Almaty CHP-3, based on a CCGT unit, is aimed at increasing the station's capacity to 544 MW. This project involves the installation of combined cycle equipment to partially address the shortage of flexible capacity in the southern region of Kazakhstan, thereby supporting the development of renewable energy in the area. The implementation period is 2025.
- The construction of the "Kokozek" Substation with a connection to the outdoor switchgear of the "Kaskelen" Substation. This project's execution will facilitate the development of the industrial zone in the Karasai district of Almaty region, with a planned completion date in 2023.
In addition to addressing technological, procedural, and financial aspects, the meeting also explored problematic issues and strategies to resolve them. As a result of the meeting, the head of the Fund issued a series of instructions for swift execution.
Ekibastuz SDPP-1 of "Samruk-Energy" JSC concluded the year 2022 with an unprecedented level of electricity generation. According to the results of 2022, Ekibastuz SDPP-1 produced 23.05 billion kWh of electricity. Surpassing the planned target of 22 billion kWh, this achievement stands at an impressive 105%, marking a record in the station's entire operational history.
The successful attainment of this target can be attributed to the diligent and well-coordinated efforts of our operational staff, the effective execution of our annual maintenance campaign, and the consistent implementation of our investment program aimed at capacity restoration and modernization of plant equipment.
“Ekibastuz SDPP-1 named after Bulat Nurzhanov” LLP- a condensing-type thermal power plant with an installed capacity of 4,000 MW, equipped with 8 power units, each with a capacity of 500 MW. Ekibastuz SDPP-1 is under the ownership of “Samruk-Energy” JSC.
"Samruk-Energy" JSC - the largest power holding company in Kazakhstan, with 100% of its shares owned by "Sovereign Wealth Fund "Samruk-Kazyna" JSC. It was established in 2007. The company's primary areas of operation include the production of electricity and heat, transmission, distribution, and sale of electricity, as well as coal mining. The holding comprises 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, among others.
"Samruk-Energy" JSC has commenced participation in the centralized electricity auctions hosted on the “KOREM” JSC platform since January 2023 in order to implement the National Project for entrepreneurship development spanning from 2021 to 2025, as per the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan's Decree No. 728 issued on October 12, 2021. This project involves selling a portion of our electricity capacity through centralized auctions.
Detailed information for potential bidders can be accessed on “KOREM” JSC website via the provided links: www.korem.kz, https://trade.korem.kz/
