Kazakhstan energy and oil infrastructure development

Kazakhstan is advancing its energy infrastructure development through logistical operations and financial investments aimed at supporting the nation’s long-term goal of developing the electric power sector by 2035. Recent efforts include the transport of a large gas turbine from the UK to Aktau International Airport via a Boeing 747 freighter.

To prepare for the 2026-2027 heating season, the Kazakh government has allocated approximately 384 billion tenge (about $809 million) for power plant repair programs, a 9% increase from the previous year. This funding covers repairs for nine power units, 55 boilers, and 51 turbines, as well as maintenance for 17,100 km of transmission lines and 444 substations. Additionally, approximately 27.9 billion tenge has been drawn from government reserves for urgent repairs to heat sources, heating networks, and power grids.

Expanding beyond power generation, Kazakhstan is also increasing its oil transit capacity. KazTransOil reported that 13.121 million tons of oil were transported via the Kazakhstan-China pipeline during the first eight months of 2026, representing a 2% increase compared to the previous year. The company is also collaborating with Azerbaijan to optimize oil supply chains and boost transit volumes through the Caspian route.

Furthering its economic and energy ties, Kazakhstan has proposed a “Comprehensive Program for Trade, Economic and Investment Cooperation” with South Korea for the 2027–2030 period. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev intends to double bilateral trade turnover and expand cooperation in sectors including digitalization, critical materials, and automotive manufacturing. South Korea currently recognizes Kazakhstan as its largest trade partner in Central Asia.