Kazakhstan builds 500 kV lines to boost North-South transit by 440 MW
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Kazakhstan's Energy Ministry and KEGOC are building two 500 kV transmission lines, Shu–Zhambyl and Zhambyl–Shymkent, to raise North-South transit capacity by 440 MW. The project aims to improve power supply reliability in southern regions and reduce risks linked to Central Asian grid regimes. A parallel 500 kV line, Olke–Karabatan, will connect the West Kazakhstan energy system to the national grid.
Key Facts
- Two 500 kV lines, Shu–Zhambyl and Zhambyl–Shymkent, are under construction in southern Kazakhstan.
- After commissioning, North-South transit capacity in the Almaty–Zhambyl section will increase by 440 MW.
- The southern project is scheduled for completion in mid-2027.
- A 500 kV line, Olke–Karabatan, is being built to connect the West Kazakhstan energy system to the national grid.
- The western interconnection project is also scheduled for completion in 2027.
Southern Grid Reinforcement
The Energy Ministry and KEGOC are building two 500 kV transmission lines, Shu–Zhambyl and Zhambyl–Shymkent, to strengthen the southern zone. The ministry links the need to rising electricity consumption, new generation development, and higher reliability requirements. The lines are intended to reduce risks of emergency situations tied to grid regimes in Central Asian countries. Once commissioned, they will add 440 MW of transit capacity in the Almaty–Zhambyl section. Completion is planned for mid-2027.
Western Interconnection
A parallel project is building the 500 kV Olke–Karabatan line to link the West Kazakhstan energy system with the rest of the national grid. The line will expand power output capacity from Atyrau and Aktobe region power plants. It will also allow flexible western generation to compensate for imbalances in other regions. Completion is scheduled for 2027.
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Kazakhstan builds 500 kV lines to boost North-South transit by 440 MW
