Kazakhstan to build two pumped-storage hydropower plants in Almaty region
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Kazakhstan plans to build two pumped-storage hydropower plants (PSHPs) in the Almaty region to enhance grid flexibility, the Energy Ministry announced. The projects are part of a broader push to integrate renewable energy, with 1.6 GW of energy storage systems already under development alongside wind farms from international investors including TotalEnergies, Masdar, China Power, and China Energy.
Energy Storage Expansion
The ministry said 1.6 GW of energy storage systems are under development, each paired with wind farms of up to 1 GW capacity. Investors include TotalEnergies, Masdar, China Power, and China Energy. The storage systems will capture excess electricity from wind and solar plants for use during peak demand.
Pumped-Storage Technology
A pumped-storage hydropower plant functions as a giant battery: during periods of surplus electricity, it pumps water to an upper reservoir; during peak demand, it releases water through turbines to generate power. The two planned PSHPs in the Almaty region aim to provide grid flexibility and support renewable energy integration.
What's Next
The ministry is currently working on feasibility studies for the two PSHPs. It remains unclear when construction will begin or what the total investment will be.
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Kazakhstan to build two pumped-storage hydropower plants in Almaty region
