Kazakhstan has launched the construction of a thermal power plant (TPP) in Kokshetau without involving Russian capital.  Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, Olzhas Bektanov, made the announcement at a press conference, as reported by Kursiv.kz.

This TPP is one of three coal-fired power plants that Kazakhstan had initially planned to build in collaboration with Russia.  However, according to Deputy Prime Minister Roman Sklyar, Russia faced difficulties in securing funding for the project.

“Initially, we considered the possibility of joint implementation with Russian partners for all three TPPs.  However, we have not yet received precise information regarding the provision of guaranteed concessional financing from the Russian Federation.  Therefore, we began the construction of the TPP in Kokshetau independently, without seeking external assistance.  Samruk-Energo is in charge, and work is ongoing at the site," Bektanov explained.

As for the remaining two projects in Ust-Kamenogorsk and Semey, Kazakhstan is still awaiting a response from Russia.  If financing is not confirmed, the projects will also proceed independently.

Earlier, it was reported that Kazakhstan and Russia had planned the construction of three TPPs: one in Semey and one in Ust-Kamenogorsk, each with a capacity of 360 MW, and one in Kokshetau with a capacity of 240 MW.  However, the decision was later made to move the Kokshetau station construction to the Zeren district of Akmolinsk region.

According to Interfax, the Public Joint-Stock Company (PJSC) Inter RAO was initially considered as the general contractor for the project.  The primary financing scenario involved a loan from the Russian government with subsidization.  However, in May, Deputy Prime Minister Roman Sklyar stated that there were challenges in securing concessional export financing for the purchase of equipment needed for the TPP construction.  If Russia is unable to provide funding for the procurement of equipment, Kazakhstan plans to look for alternative investors.