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

Kazakhstan has launched a national project to modernise its energy and utilities sector. The initiative, named MECS, is a five-year plan running from 2025 to 2029. Its goal is to reduce network failures and ensure reliable heat and electricity supplies across the country. The project will cost 13.5 trillion tenge in total. Funds will go towards repairing heating networks, replacing power lines, and installing modern metering devices. Between 2026 and 2028, outdated networks will be upgraded, and new technologies will be introduced nationwide.

At least 30 combined heat and power plants and 200 enterprises handling heating and water supply will receive upgrades. By 2029, the average wear and tear on utility assets is expected to fall to 40%. The number of accidents in the sector should also decrease by one-fifth.

An electronic procurement platform, meks.zakup.sk.kz, was launched in November 2024 to support the project. The platform is fully automated, with every bid secured by a digital signature. This system aims to eliminate manual interference, reduce corruption risks, and ensure transparent supplier selection.

Targeted housing subsidies will be provided for low-income and vulnerable groups. These will help offset rising utility costs during the modernisation process. The MECS project aims to improve Kazakhstan’s energy infrastructure by 2029. Upgrades will cover major plants and enterprises, while a new digital platform ensures fair procurement. The initiative also includes financial support for those most affected by the changes.