Kazakhstan is aiming high for its energy sector. By 2040, the country plans to increase oil refining volumes to 39 million tons, achieving a refining depth of 94%, Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov announced during the Kazakhstan Energy Week 2025 / XVI Eurasian Forum KAZENERGY.
Speaking under the theme “New Energy Order: Focus on Middle Powers”, Bektenov outlined a comprehensive roadmap to modernize Kazakhstan’s energy sector, attract investment, and expand renewable capacity.
The forum gathered over 2,500 participants from more than 50 countries, including government leaders, international energy organizations, and senior executives from major oil and gas corporations.
Strategic Projects Driving Kazakhstan’s Energy Growth
The Prime Minister emphasized that Kazakhstan is implementing large-scale projects to strengthen energy security and technological advancement. Key initiatives include:
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Petrochemical Expansion: Launch of a polypropylene plant with 500,000 tons annual capacity, and development of new polyethylene (1.25 million tons), butadiene, and urea facilities.
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Refinery Upgrades: Shymkent Refinery’s capacity expansion to 12 million tons per year.
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Gas Processing Projects: New plants under development in Zhanaozen, Kashagan, and Tengiz.
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Pipeline Infrastructure: Construction of the second line of the Beineu–Bozoi–Shymkent gas pipeline.
Bektenov confirmed that by 2030, six major industrial projects worth over $15 billion are expected to be completed.
Renewable Energy and Digital Transformation
Kazakhstan is investing heavily in renewable energy and digital innovation:
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Renewable Energy Capacity: Joint projects exceeding 4 GW.
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Coal-Fired Power Plants: Three new CHP plants totaling 1 GW to ensure stable power supply.
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Artificial Intelligence Integration: AI applied in geological exploration, production optimization, and data analysis to boost recovery rates and efficiency.
The newly established Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development will accelerate these advancements, integrating AI across Kazakhstan’s energy sector.
Strategic Resources and Energy Security
Kazakhstan is expanding its rare earth metals and uranium production and advancing plans for a nuclear power plant. These efforts align with its goal of meeting rising energy demand while ensuring energy independence.
Prime Minister Bektenov stressed Kazakhstan’s role as a reliable partner for global cooperation, inviting international businesses to participate in high-tech energy projects.
Global Recognition and Strategic Partnerships
International speakers at KAZENERGY 2025 highlighted Kazakhstan’s growing influence in the global energy landscape:
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OPEC Secretary General Haitham Al Ghais: Called for increased oil and gas investments.
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IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera: Emphasized renewable energy cooperation.
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IEF Secretary General Jassim Alshirawi: Invited Kazakhstan to join the International Energy Forum as a bridge between energy regions.
Representatives from the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the League of Arab States also praised Kazakhstan’s strategy for energy security and sustainable development.
Future Outlook
Kazakhstan’s Minister of Energy, Yerlan Akkenzhenov, outlined plans to improve the investment climate, modernize infrastructure, and expand renewable energy’s share in the national energy mix.
With strategic projects in refining, petrochemicals, renewables, and AI, Kazakhstan is positioning itself as a global energy leader by 2040.