Tokayev orders waste-to-energy plants in Astana, Almaty and Shymkent

September 4, 2026 at 04:09 PM1 min

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Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev instructed Ecology Minister Alibek Kuantyrov to build waste-to-energy plants in Astana, Almaty and Shymkent. The directive was issued during a meeting at Akorda on September 4, 2026. Tokayev also tasked the ministry with restoring forests, developing national park infrastructure and promoting a circular economy.

Key Facts

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with Ecology Minister Alibek Kuantyrov at Akorda on September 4, 2026.
Tokayev instructed the ministry to build waste-to-energy plants in Astana, Almaty and Shymkent.
The ministry was also tasked with restoring forest areas, developing national park infrastructure and forming a circular economy through waste processing.
Tokayev stressed the importance of raising environmental culture and continuing the 'Taza Kazakhstan' initiative.
Alibek Kuantyrov was appointed ecology minister the day before the meeting, replacing Yerlan Nysanbayev.

Waste-to-Energy Directive

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev ordered Ecology Minister Alibek Kuantyrov to build waste-to-energy plants in Astana, Almaty and Shymkent. The directive was issued during a meeting at Akorda on September 4, 2026, according to the presidential press service. Tokayev also instructed the ministry to scale the experience to other regions of Kazakhstan after the three cities. The Akorda statement did not specify construction timelines, costs, capacity or specific sites for the plants. Waste-to-energy technology involves thermal treatment of waste to produce electricity, reducing landfill volumes.

Broader Environmental Agenda

Tokayev tasked the ministry with continuing forest restoration and developing national park infrastructure. The president also ordered the formation of a circular economy through waste processing. He emphasized the importance of raising environmental culture and effectively implementing the 'Taza Kazakhstan' initiative. The meeting came one day after Alibek Kuantyrov was appointed ecology minister, replacing Yerlan Nysanbayev.