In Kazakhstan, a project for the modernization of energy infrastructure is being implemented under the "70/30" model.

The Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development, together with the Ministry of Energy, is developing a mechanism to attract private investment into the modernization and expansion of the country's energy infrastructure under the "70/30" model.

The legal framework for implementing this mechanism has been established by the Law on the Development of the Telecommunications and Data Center Market, which classifies data centers as strategic objects. This creates conditions for attracting private investment into the modernization and expansion of generation capacities, with data center operators and digital miners participating as long-term consumers of electricity.

In the context of the year of AI declared by the Head of State, the need for high-quality computing power and a stable energy base has become a priority task. The proposed approach aims to accelerate the commissioning of new generation capacities without placing additional burdens on the state budget and without including investment costs in tariffs for the population.

The mechanism provides that during the modernization, reconstruction, or expansion of existing power plants, up to 70% of the additionally created electrical capacity may be sold directly to large electricity consumers, including data centers and digital miners. The remaining 30% of the new capacity will be directed to the Unified Power System of the Republic of Kazakhstan to strengthen the country's energy security and cover the growing demand for electricity.

Implementation of this approach will attract private capital to the development of energy infrastructure, ensure the modernization of existing generation facilities, improve the reliability of power supply, and create additional conditions for the development of high-tech sectors of the economy.

Gizzat Baitursynov, Vice Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development

The mechanism has already attracted interest from international investors. Currently, there is an interested investor considering the implementation of a project to modernize and expand the Ekibastuz Combined Heat and Power Plant within the framework of the "70/30" model.

The project involves the phased increase of generation capacities, construction of new energy infrastructure, and implementation of measures aimed at improving the reliability of heat supply to the city.

As a result of the conducted technical survey, the feasibility of implementing the project using the existing potential of the plant without compromising sustainable heat supply has been confirmed. At present, work continues in collaboration with interested parties on organizational, technical, and investment issues.