The Hydropower Plant Cascade project represents a key development in the renewable energy infrastructure of the Almaty Region.
This initiative is structured as a cascade system, featuring two hydroelectric power plants: HPP-1 and HPP-2. Together, they offer a substantial total installed capacity of 12 MW, with each plant contributing 6 MW of clean energy.
The location in the Almaty Region is ideal, chosen specifically for its strong hydrological potential—an abundant and reliable water resource necessary for consistent hydropower generation. Furthermore, the region is recognized for its well-established renewable energy sector, allowing the project to seamlessly integrate with existing infrastructure and support the area's transition to sustainable power. This project is set to be a reliable, long-term source of green electricity.
Kazakhstan has significant hydropower resources, with an estimated 170 billion kWh of gross potential and 62 billion kWh of feasible potential. This River is located within the country’s South-Eastern hydropower zone, a priority area for small HP expansion to support Kazakhstan’s long-term renewable energy targets.
The project has been designed based on detailed topographic and hydrological assessments, and the environmental safety of the facility.
Each HPP of the cascade is a combination of hydraulic structures and electromechanical equipment that convert the gravitational energy of the water flow into electrical energy for delivery to the regional grid. The expected lifespan of the plant is 25-35 years, with potential for significantly longer service life given standard refurbishment cycles typical in hydropower assets.
Main technical and economic parameters of the designed HPP-1 & HPP2
Name (indicator)
Units of
measurement
Value of the
indicator (HPP1)
Value of the
indicator (HPP2)
Recommended (indicative) installed power
MW
2х3’000
2х3’000
Head (gross)
m
167,271
167,271
Working pressure (net), m
m
157,33—166,79
157,33—166,79
Maximum water flow through the turbine
m3/s
4,7
4,7
Indicative volume of electricity generation
million kWh
28,964
24,448
Indicative unified main technical and economic parameters of the designed HPP Cascade (HPP-1 and HPP-2)
Parameter name
Units of
measurement
Value of the
indicator
Installed capacity
kW
12 000,00
Electricity production (annual)
million kWh
53,412
Construction cost (excluding IDC)
thousand USD
19 998,93
Construction Cost (including IDC and loan charHPP)
thousand USD
23 139,03
Specific capital investment per 1 kW
USD per 1 kW
1 666,58
Specific capital investment per 1 kWh
USD per 1 kW
0,37
Electricity tariff during the payback period (“fixed tariff”)*
KZT per 1 kW*h
37,05
Net income in the first year of operation during the payback period
thousand USD
3 498,43
Net income in the first year after the payback period
thousand USD
5 995,70
Net Present Value (NPV)
thousand USD
10 977,61
Internal Financial Rate of Return
%
27,3
Payback period (discounted)
years
9
Payback period (downtime)
years
5,72
Profitability Index
1,38
Currency: USD
Target Price / Revenue: TBD
Target Price / EBITDA: TBD
