Construction of Technology and Innovation Center (TEC) in Kokshetau initiates: selection of contractors underway
Thermal Power Plant Construction in Kokchetav: A Delayed Project
The construction of the long-anticipated Thermal Power Plant (TPP) in Kokchetav, Kazakhstan, is currently progressing, but not as fast as initially planned. The project, spearheaded by Kazakhstan's Samruk-Energo and Russian energy company Inter RAO, is encountering challenges, primarily related to financial hurdles on the Russian side.
At present, Samruk-Energo is in the midst of site development for the project, as specified by the Kokchetav Akimat. In collaboration with Inter RAO, contractors for the construction are being selected, and necessary equipment is being purchased. The project is progressing according to the proposed timeline, with a protocol signing expected shortly.
Initially, it was asserted that three TPPs would be built by 2028, using investments from Russian sources. However, the project's current delay raises concerns about the feasibility of this deadline.
It's essential to understand that the Kokchetav TPP is targeted to generate 240 MW of electricity and have a thermal capacity of 520 Gcal/h, at a preliminary cost of around 800 million USD.
While Kazakhstan holds the full ownership of the projects, Inter RAO serves as the general contractor. Samruk-Kazyna, a Kazakh state-owned entity, is the project owner. The initial projection for the commissioning date of the Kokchetav TPP was set for 2028.
However, the financing predicament faced by Inter RAO has put this schedule at risk. Analysts predict that these projects could potentially be delayed until beyond 2030–2032, posing a risk to nearly 3 billion USD worth of investments.
Thus, in light of the current financial challenges faced by Russia's Inter RAO, the project timeline is uncertain. If Russia fails to provide the necessary funds, Kazakhstan may need to secure another investor, meaning a potential delay beyond the initially proposed 2028 date.
Things to know:
- Construction of the Kokchetav TPP involves Kazakhstan's Samruk-Energo and Russian energy company Inter RAO.
- The TPP is planned to have a generating capacity of 240 MW and a thermal capacity of 520 Gcal/h, with a preliminary cost of approximately 800 million USD.
- As of mid-2025, delays are due to Inter RAO's financial struggles in securing funds for the project's required equipment.
- Kazakhstan retains full ownership of the project, while Inter RAO acts as the general contractor.
- The originally planned commissioning date for the Kokchetav TPP is at risk of significant delay, potentially beyond 2030–2032.
In a nutshell, the Kokchetav TPP project's construction is dependent on resolving the financial issues faced by Russia's Inter RAO. If these issues persist, the project's completion may be delayed beyond the initially targeted date in 2028.
The financial struggles of Russia's Inter RAO pose a threat to the timely completion of the Kokchetav TPP, a joint venture between Kazakhstan's Samruk-Energo and Inter RAO, with a generating capacity of 240 MW. If funds cannot be secured, the project may encounter a significant delay, possibly moving beyond the initially proposed 2028 target date, potentially impacting over 3 billion USD worth of investments in the energy and finance sectors.