KMG, Italy's Eni launch solar plant in Zhanaozen
ASTANA. Sept 29 (Interfax) - Kazakhstan's national oil and gas company KazMunayGas (KMG) and Italy's Eni have commissioned a 50 MW solar power plant in the western city of Zhanaozen, KMG's press service said.
The solar plant will supply electricity for the needs of KMG subsidiaries JSC OzenMunaigas and KazGPZ LLP.
"The launch of this facility marks the first stage of a 247 MW hybrid power plant project, which combines solar, wind and gas generation and is being built as part of KMG's Low-Carbon Development Program," KMG said.
The new plant is equipped with modern photovoltaic technology, with over 80,000 solar panels installed on an area of around 80 hectares. The panels generate energy from both sides.
It is planned that the station will produce 86 million kWh of energy per year. The hybrid configuration combines renewable energy sources with gas generation, which guarantees supply even in variable weather conditions.
In 2026, KMG and Eni plan to complete the construction of two more facilities - a wind power plant (77 MW) and a gas power plant (120 MW).
The companies began construction of the hybrid power plant in July 2024. The project involves combined electricity generation from renewable (solar and wind) energy sources developed by Eni subsidiary Plenitude, as well as a gas power plant.
Investment is provided by KMG and Eni on a parity basis; the total amount has not been disclosed.
KazMunayGas is Kazakhstan's national operator for the exploration, production, refining, and transportation of hydrocarbons and represents the state's interests in the oil and gas sector.
Eni has operated in Kazakhstan's oil and gas exploration and production sector since the early 1990s. It is a co-operator of the Karachaganak field and a member of the North Caspian consortium developing the Kashagan field. Since 2017, Eni and KMG have jointly held subsoil use rights for exploration and production at the offshore Isatay block.
In Kazakhstan, Eni also operates in the renewable energy sector through its subsidiary Eni Plenitude - Arm Wind LLP. The company has built two wind power plants, Badamsha-1 and Badamsha-2, in the Aktobe region, with a total installed capacity of 96 MW, as well as a 50 MW solar power plant in the town of Shaulder in the Turkestan region.
