As part of the project "Restoration of Unit No. 1 with the Installation of new electrostatic precipitators" at Ekibastuz SDPP-1 named after Bulat Nurzhanov, Unit No. 1 has been connected to the grid.    

The project's goal is to meet the country's growing demand for electricity. The project included the installation of a modernized 540 MW unit with enhanced energy efficiency and reduced pollutant emissions. Since mid-July, Unit No. 1 has been online, generating over 460 million kWh of electricity.    

Currently, commissioning work is being finalized, and the Certificate of Acceptance is planned to be signed in October 2024, officially commissioning the facility.    

Thus, during the autumn-winter period of 2024-2025, Ekibastuz SDPP-1 will be ready to operate in an eight-unit mode. For the first time in 30 years, the plant will be able to reach full capacity with a load of 4,000 MW.    

"Ekibastuz SDPP-1" LLP is part of the group of companies owned by "Samruk-Energy" JSC which holds a 100% stake in the power plant.    

Festivities marking Miner’s Day have begun at Bogatyr Komir, where veteran miners and distinguished workers who have dedicated decades of service to the company were honored today. 

The event took place in a warm and friendly atmosphere, with young miners organizing a special program for the esteemed guests. In return, the veterans expressed their gratitude to the company’s management and the young miners for their care and attention. 

Shulbinsk HPP continues its efforts to maintain the ecological balance in the region. The station has once again carried out its annual initiative to restore and sustain the fish resources of the Irtysh River.   

Young carp and common carp were released into the Shulbinsk Reservoir. The release site was chosen in consultation with a scientific organization, which identified the optimal location along the Irtysh River near the village of Azovoye. This area offers favorable conditions for the habitation and reproduction of these fish species, contributing to the strengthening of their population in the reservoir.  

Such initiatives are crucial for maintaining the fish balance, which in turn supports the preservation of the region's ecosystem.  

Employees of Samruk-Energy's head office are helping children from large and low-income families prepare for the new school year. As part of the charitable campaign "Back to School," company employees voluntarily raised funds and purchased vouchers for school supplies for students in need.  

Members of the "Jas Energy" Youth Council, along with Samruk-Energy Ombudsman Nariman Akylov, visited the "Zhasnur" Association of the Deaf, where they presented the children with vouchers and treats, wishing them success in the upcoming school year. Parents expressed their gratitude to Samruk-Energy employees for their care and attention. 

It's worth noting that Samruk-Energy employees actively participate in the nationwide "Back to School" charity campaign every year. Through the efforts of the company's management, employees, and local trade union, ongoing support is provided to large and low-income families. 

As part of the ongoing commitment to provide comfortable and safe working conditions, the subsidiaries of “Samruk-Energy” JSC are implementing a program aimed at the continuous improvement of employee welfare facilities. 

At Ekibastuz SDPP-1, a series of key upgrades have been completed as part of this program:  

1. Drinking fountains upgrade: Twelve modern drinking fountains have been installed in the turbine hall, boiler workshops, and other production areas. These fountains feature a three-stage water filtration system. Additionally, a new 900-meter water supply system has been installed, ensuring uninterrupted operation and improved drinking water quality. This upgrade is a significant step toward better working conditions, as clean drinking water is essential for employee health and well-being.

2. Restroom renovation: The main production building is undergoing restroom renovations. Warm, modular toilets made from vandal-resistant materials are replacing outdated outdoor facilities. These new toilets are designed to withstand external mechanical damage, maintaining their aesthetic appearance even with frequent use in harsh climatic conditions.

3. Cafeteria modernization: The cafeteria at Ekibastuz SDPP-1 has been modernized with new cooking equipment and a ventilation system to ensure proper air circulation. A second checkout counter has been added, and additional staff have been hired to speed up service. The menu has been expanded to include a more varied and balanced selection of meals.

Currently, technical assessments are being carried out on other welfare facilities at SDPP-1, including showers, break rooms, and locker rooms. The purpose of these assessments is to evaluate the current conditions and identify further improvements needed to enhance employee comfort and safety in the workplace.  

Similar assessments of employee welfare conditions are also being conducted at Ekibastuz SDPP-2 and Almaty Power Plants. 

Unit No. 2 at the Ust-Kamenogorsk HPP  is undergoing a scheduled major overhaul. This work is focused on enhancing the reliability and safety of key equipment. 

As part of the overhaul, both the hydro generator and turbine are being repaired. The rotor will undergo hot re-wedging, and the main components of the generator will be refurbished. 

The turbine repair includes the replacement of the centralized lubrication system and repairs to the main metal structures of the turbine. 

In addition to these repairs, equipment upgrades are planned during the overhaul. These include the enhancement of the vibration monitoring system and the implementation of a software and hardware complex for thermal control. These improvements will allow for more precise monitoring of the unit's condition and the temperature regimes of the equipment. 

A meeting chaired by Kairat Maxutov, Head of Samruk-Energy, reviewed the occupational safety performance of its subsidiaries for the first half of 2024. Reports from chief executive officers of Bogatyr Komir LLP, Ekibastuz SDPP-1, Ekibastuz SDPP-2, and APP were presented, focusing on current safety issues. 

Samruk-Energy’s subsidiaries are actively working to prevent workplace accidents. For instance, Ekibastuz SDPP-1 has installed video surveillance monitors in the operators' cabins and is procuring body сcameras to enhance worker safety. 

Bogatyr Komir has implemented electronic medical examination systems and is deploying the automated "OKO" system to prevent accidents and emergencies caused by human factors. 

The meeting highlighted the goal of achieving zero workplace injuries and improving the safety culture among employees. Ongoing educational initiatives will continue to emphasize the use of STOP-cards, which allow employees to halt unsafe work or refuse to perform it. 

Following the meeting, Kairat Maxutov issued several specific directives to reinforce labor safety measures across subsidiaries and affiliates.  

The Production department at Almaty CHP-3 is implementing the Kaizen system, a lean technology approach. Kaizen is a concept of continuous improvement that involves gradual changes and innovations in work processes. It helps to increase efficiency, optimize production, and enhance productivity. 

"Employees in the pilot areas have undergone training in the basics of Kaizen technologies and are successfully applying them in organizing workspaces using the 5S methodology, mapping business processes, and addressing current issues," said Nurlan Zhakhan, an electrician at the CHPP-3 electrical workshop. 

The experience of transitioning to this concept's principles is already yielding positive results. Teamwork, brainstorming groups, and an idea bank for improving production activities are motivating employees to embrace innovation and efficiency. 

Kairat Maxutov, Chairman of the Board of "Samruk-Energy" JSC and Asain Baykhanov, Mayor of Pavlodar region, recently met to review preparations for the forthcoming autumn-winter season and to discuss ongoing investment projects. 

Kairat Maxutov reported that maintenance work at Ekibastuz SDPP-1, Ekibastuz SDPP-2, and Ekibastuz TPP is progressing as scheduled. All repair activities are on track to be completed on time. 

The Chairman also updated on several investment projects. At Ekibastuz SDPP-1, the modernization of power unit No. 1 is nearing completion, and a project to upgrade the fuel supply system is in progress. 

At Ekibastuz SDPP-2, the construction of power units No. 3 and No. 4, each with a capacity of 500 MW, continues. This expansion will boost the station’s total capacity by 1000 MW. 

Additionally, the Bogatyr Komir coal mine is advancing a project to implement cyclic-flow technology. Coal deliveries by "Bogatyr Komir" LLP are proceeding according to the approved schedule, ensuring that the power plants will have the required coal supply during the autumn-winter season. 

An on-site meeting of the Public Council of "Samruk-Kazyna" JSC chaired by Bolat Zhamishev, took place in Ekibastuz city.   

Council members visited key energy facilities in the region that are part of  "Samruk-Energy" JSC. They toured the Bogatyr Komir coal mine, Ekibastuz TPP, Ekibastuz SDPP-2, and Ekibastuz SDPP-1, where they reviewed the current status of investment projects and the progress of preparations for the upcoming heating season. 

During the meeting, reports were presented on the performance of  "Samruk-Energy" JSC for 2023 and plans for 2024. 

Yernat Berdigulov, Managing Director for Strategy and Asset Management at  "Samruk-Kazyna" JSC noted that a significant portion of the Fund's portfolio consists of energy sector projects. 

"Kazakhstan currently has a capacity of 16 GW. In the future, through ongoing projects, 'Samruk-Kazyna' JSC plans to add another 12 GW of capacity. This will double the generation capacity, which will address the issue of supply stability during peak consumption periods. Kazakhstan's power sector is currently experiencing a 'renaissance'" said Yernat Berdigulov. 

Kairat Maxutov, Chairman of the Board of  "Samruk-Energy" JSC reported on the company's main production indicators. The total electricity generation by subsidiaries in 2023 amounted to 35.3 billion kWh, or approximately 31% of the total electricity generation in Kazakhstan. In 2024, electricity production is expected to increase to 39.2 billion kWh. 

While 83 units of main equipment were repaired in 2023, 116 units are scheduled for repair in 2024.  

"At our facilities, preparations for the autumn-winter period are progressing according to schedule. Nearly 50% of the planned repairs have been completed to date. Everything necessary is being done to ensure stable energy and heat supply for residents. The repair campaign will be fully completed within the established deadlines. Thanks to active repair work, we are continuously reducing the wear and tear of power plants year by year" said Kairat Maxutov. 

Regarding environmental matters,  "Samruk-Energy" JSC is progressively equipping its subsidiaries with automatic emission monitoring systems. Additionally, the work on implementing modern flue gas cleaning technologies is underway in collaboration with leading global companies