Kazakhstan's Pavlodar region overhauls power grids in $1B modernization push

Nine major power grid modernisation projects are currently underway in Kazakhstan’s Pavlodar region. These form part of the national initiative to upgrade the country’s energy and utilities infrastructure. The schemes will cover urban areas, rural settlements, and key industrial zones across the region. The projects include the reconstruction of the 10 kV Feeder No. 306 overhead power line at the West-City substation, which supplies Pavlodar’s Lesozavod district. Over 80 kilometres of electrical grids will be upgraded, with seven existing substations reconstructed and seven new ones built in Pavlodar alone. These new substations will feature six 10 kV switchgear units.

In Aksu and Maykain, 13 new compact transformer substations will be installed. New 35 kV power lines will also be constructed, while more than 6.8 kilometres of faulty networks will be replaced with modern overhead and underground cables, including high-capacity self-supporting insulated wires. The Central-City digital substation, a fully enclosed and digitally managed facility, will also be built as part of the national project.

Additionally, 205,415 smart meters with automated metering systems will be installed for residential consumers. The region’s power networks will be automated to enhance efficiency and reliability. All projects are set for completion by 2026. Once finished, they will improve the reliability of electricity supply across Pavlodar, Aksu, Bayanaul district, and surrounding rural areas. Emergency outages will be reduced, and extra capacity will support future development in the region.