Kazakhstan overhauls coal industry with tech-driven energy reforms

Kazakhstan’s government has announced a comprehensive plan to modernise its coal industry. The move aims to ensure stable fuel supplies for power plants, businesses and homes across the country. Energy Minister Yerlan Akkenzhenov revealed the priorities of the National Project for Coal Power Development at the 7th Kazakhstan Coal Industry Forum. A key part of the reform involves adopting advanced environmental solutions, with the coal sector shifting to best available techniques.

The government has ordered the creation of a unified Coal Industry Development Plan. This will focus on long-term demand forecasting, improving railway transport reliability and strengthening industrial safety oversight. The plan also includes incentives for deep-processing projects and workforce development within the sector.

New coal-fired power plants will be built, and existing facilities will be upgraded. Digital tools will play a major role, with real-time monitoring of mining and rail shipments and AI-driven transport cost forecasting. Advanced fuel-cleaning algorithms and strict logistics coordination are intended to make coal-based energy generation more dependable. The unified plan seeks to guarantee a steady coal supply for thermal power plants and other users. It also aims to stabilise the fuel sector through modern technology and improved infrastructure. The reforms are expected to bring greater predictability to Kazakhstan’s energy production.