Kazakhstan bets big on coal with $16B energy overhaul by 2030

A bold $16B gamble on coal: Kazakhstan's 2030 energy plan promises new plants, jobs, and mortgages—but is it sustainable? Nuclear ambitions loom in the background.

, and Administrator

2026 March 25 . 3:08 AM

1 min read

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Kazakhstan bets big on coal with $16B energy overhaul by 2030

Kazakhstan has launched a major national project to expand and modernise its coal-based energy sector by 2030. The plan includes a subsidised mortgage scheme for power plant workers, alongside upgrades to existing facilities and new construction across six key cities. The government-approved initiative will add 7.8 GW of capacity while reducing equipment wear and improving system resilience. New power sources are set for Ekibastuz, Kurchatov, Zhezkazgan, Kökşetau, Semey, and Öskemen, with 11 operational plants also undergoing modernisation. Total investment is expected to reach at least 7.5 trillion tenge.

The mortgage programme, run in partnership with Otbasy Bank, targets employees of coal-fired power plants. It forms part of a broader workforce development plan, including training through specialised universities. Around 4,500 permanent jobs are projected to be created by the scheme. While the coal project moves forward, Kazakhstan is also advancing nuclear energy plans. A referendum in October 2024 approved a new nuclear power plant, with site and technology selection due by 2027 and construction starting in 2032.

The coal energy project will run until 2030, focusing on capacity expansion, modernisation, and workforce support. The mortgage initiative and training programmes aim to secure long-term employment in the sector, while the separate nuclear project signals a diversified energy strategy.