Kazakhstan drafts legislation on energy storage systems construction

ASTANA. Feb 25 (Interfax) - Kazakhstan plans to build energy storage systems, according to a draft law on the development of alternative energy sources, introduced to the Majilis, the lower house of parliament, on Wednesday, an Interfax correspondent reports.

"The use of energy storage systems will ensure the possibility of supplying electricity during peak hours, reduce the need to import electricity from Russia, and increase the reliability of energy supply," says a Deputy Energy Minister Sungat Yessimkhanov said in the Majilis, when introducing the government's amendments on developing alternative energy sources.

The Energy Ministry sees energy storage systems as a key tool for balancing the power system, increasing its stability, and integrating renewable energy sources.

"Currently, we do not have energy storage systems. These technologies were expensive, so they were not implemented. We are lagging behind in this regard. Already, under four major projects based on intergovernmental agreements, it is stipulated that 30% of the plant's capacity will consist of energy storage systems," Yessimkhanov said.

The extent of the systems to be commissioned will be determined jointly with the system operator, KEGOC, based on the actual needs of the power system. Projects to build energy storage systems will be selected at auctions.

A single electricity purchaser will enter into long-term contracts with the operators of such systems for up to 15 years.

Yessimkhanov said the construction of energy storage facilities would not lead to an increase in electricity costs for end consumers.

He said the only challenge in building such systems would be the need to replace batteries every four to five years.

According to current estimates, the power system needs about 3 GW of energy storage capacity, while projects implemented under intergovernmental agreements plan to bring approximately 1.4 GW of storage systems online, Yessimkhanov said.