In 2026, Kazakhstan will comprehensively accelerate the expansion of coal-fired power generation. Energy Minister Yellan Akhenanov announced at a government meeting that he plans to attract approximately 553.5 billion units, or about 1.2 billion US dollars, of investment into the coal-fired power industry this year. Coal production is expected to reach 128.9 million tons, an increase of about 11.2% from 115.9 million tons at the end of 2025.

8 new power plants+11 renovated ones

On March 20, 2026, the government of Kazakhstan officially approved the national project of coal power generation development, planning and implementing a package investment plan with a total installed capacity of about 7.8 gigawatts.

Specifically, the project includes the construction of 8 new coal-fired power generation facilities with a total installed capacity of 5.3 gigawatts, as well as the modernization, reconstruction, and technological transformation of 11 existing energy facilities with an additional installed capacity of 2.5 gigawatts. Akhenanov stated that the national project will comprehensively develop power generation capacity and provide solid guarantees for domestic power supply.

At the same time, Kazakhstan is accelerating the release of coal resource potential. The authorities plan to hold an auction before the end of 2026 to provide mining rights for about 10 underground coal mines, further expanding the supply of raw materials.

By the end of 2025, the country's coal production will be approximately 115.9 million tons, a year-on-year increase of 7%. Among them, 85.9 million tons are used for domestic consumption and household demand, and 30 million tons are used for export, mainly to Russia, Poland, Uzbekistan, Türkiye, India and Malaysia.

The energy logic behind expansion

Why is Kazakhstan increasing its coal-fired power generation against the global trend of energy transition? The answer is hidden in the data.

In 2025, the total electricity consumption in Kazakhstan will increase by about 4.5% year-on-year, but the growth rate of renewable energy installed capacity is difficult to match the expansion of demand. Coal power still undertakes over 60% of the country's power generation tasks, serving as the cornerstone for the stable operation of the power grid. After the 7.8 GW project is fully put into operation, the national coal-fired power installed capacity will exceed 16 GW, and the peak shaving and supply guarantee capacity will be significantly enhanced. Keywords: coal power expansion, Kazakhstan energy

In addition, coal exports remain an important source of foreign exchange for Kazakhstan. Nearly 25% of the production target of 128.9 million tons by 2026 will enter the international market. Against the backdrop of reshaping the energy landscape in Europe and sustained growth in demand in Asia, Kazakhstan is leveraging coal-fired power as a pivot to simultaneously achieve its two major goals of domestic electricity security and export earnings.Editor/Cheng Liting