During the ceremony of launching the construction of the Balkhash thermal power plant, the head of state noted that the multi-billion dollar project is strategically important for Kazakhstan.
“The rapid development of the economy and constantly growing diversification of the economic base in Kazakhstan in recent years have led to an increase in demand for electricity. Reliable energy supply is a necessary condition for sustainable economic development of the country. The industrial development of the country is impossible without provision of electric power. We always felt the power deficit in the southern regions especially in the winter period. And with the end of the project, we become completely energy independent. The Balkhash thermal power plant with a capacity of 1320 MW expected to cover the deficit of the electric power of the South Kazakhstan, improve the reliability of operation of the unified power system of the state and energize the dynamic growth of our economy. Application of modern technologies and powerful power units of world producers will increase the efficiency of electricity production and ensure compliance with environmental standards," Nursultan Nazarbayev said.
The President of Kazakhstan emphasized that the participation of Korean investors in this project with rich experience in the construction of such large objects will allow Kazakhstan specialists learn from the global experience and will contribute to the emergence of a new pleiad of highly qualified professionals.
“Today's launching of the construction of the important for the country energy project took place thanks to the fruitful cooperation between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Republic of Korea, as well as due to our agreements with President Lee Myung-bak. Today the relations between our countries reached a strategic level," the head of state said.
Nursultan Nazarbayev emphasized that that observance of environmental standards will make the power plant environmentally friendly and a model for other stations in the country.
In turn, President Lee Myung-bak said that since the establishment of diplomatic relations our countries continue to develop friendly and partnership relations based on common values in the culture and significant achievements in the economy.
“I would like to express enormous gratitude to Nursultan Nazarbayev for close attention to the implementation of a project on construction of the Balkhash thermal power plant and hope on further support to its full start up. Today, in spite of the unfavourable situation in the world economy, Kazakhstan has been growing steadily, based on the support of the entire population of the country. Today the trade turnover between our countries is almost US$ one billion, which exceeds the level of 20 years ago in 100 times. The volume of investments on the part of South Korea in Kazakhstan amounted to almost US$ 3 billion that makes your country the leader among the CIS states. Laying of the first foundation stone for the construction of Balkhash thermal power plant is a large-scale energy project of Korea and Kazakhstan, indicating the strengthening of cooperation between our countries. Its construction and subsequent management will involve large Korean companies Sаmsung and Korea Electric Power Corporation, which have great experience and appropriate technologies of the world level. In order not to pollute the beautiful Balkhash Lake the station will meet the highest international environmental standards and will be the most environmentally friendly power station in Kazakhstan," Lee Myung-bak said.
The project on construction of the Balkhash thermal power plant is being realized by Samruk-Energo, JSC together with Korean Consortium Korea Electric Power Corporation and Samsung C&T Corporation. The first module of the BTPP consists of two power-generating units with one capacity of 660 megawatt each. The commissioning of the first block of the power plant is scheduled for December 2017, the second – for April 2018. The total project cost is US$ 2.3 billion.
The implementation of this project will allow to produce additionally up to 9 bn kWh of electricity per year, which will reduce the deficit of power and electricity in the United energy system of Kazakhstan and increase the reliability of power supply of the consumers.
The project is of high social importance. The commissioning of the Balkhash thermal power plant will allow to create new working places for the period of construction of 3.5 thousand new jobs, after the beginning of work of the station number of the employed will amount to 900 people.
