Kazakhstan has approved a long-term hydropower development plan through 2035, aiming to add at least 500 megawatts of new generating capacity by the end of the decade to diversify its energy mix and attract private investment.
The plan, signed by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, sets out 30 measures spanning resource assessment, land allocation, and technical research. Central to the initiative is identifying suitable locations for both conventional hydroelectric power stations and pumped-storage facilities, which are intended to provide flexible generating capacity to help balance peak power demand.
Under the framework, the government will consolidate data on potential hydropower sites into a single digital platform accessible to state agencies and prospective investors. Each project will undergo preliminary studies regarding water availability and environmental impact to address ecological risks prior to construction.
