Kazakhstan's $30B Energy Overhaul Aims to Cut Blackouts by 2029

Kazakhstan has launched a major national project to modernise its energy and utilities sector. The initiative, named MECS, will run from 2025 to 2029 and aims to improve the reliability of heat and electricity supplies across the country. The MECS project will upgrade at least 30 combined heat and power plants and 200 enterprises handling heating and water supply. Between 2026 and 2028, outdated networks will be replaced, and new technologies will be introduced nationwide.

The plan requires an investment of 13.5 trillion tenge. This funding will repair heating networks, replace power lines, and install modern metering devices. By 2029, the average wear and tear on utility assets is expected to fall to 40%, with accidents decreasing by one-fifth.

To ensure fairness, an electronic procurement platform (meks.zakup.sk.kz) has been set up. Construction firms, machinery manufacturers, and other businesses in metalworking and cable production can participate in the project. Coordination with ERC contractors will help smooth implementation.

The project also includes targeted housing subsidies. These will assist low-income and vulnerable groups in managing rising utility costs. MECS is designed to reduce network failures and guarantee uninterrupted heat and electricity. The upgrades will cover key infrastructure and involve multiple industries in its execution. The project sets clear targets for improving asset conditions and reducing accidents by 2029.