Shorouk Express
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 28. Eni has
significantly expanded its presence in Kazakhstan, balancing its
operations in major oil fields such as Kashagan and Karachaganak
with a growing commitment to renewable energy, a source at Eni told
Trend.
“In Kazakhstan, we are actively involved in the exploration,
development, and production of hydrocarbons and natural gas, while
also investing in renewable energy with wind and solar power
plants. Our renewable energy projects and experimentation with
biofuels are part of our broader goal to support the energy
transition in Central Asia,” the company noted.
The source emphasized that Eni’s business model integrates
environmental and social sustainability principles, with a clear
vision: “We aim to achieve Carbon neutrality by 2050 through our
comprehensive energy strategy”.
Eni’s groundbreaking hybrid power project in collaboration with
KazMunayGas (KMG) is a significant milestone in the company’s
sustainability strategy.
“In 2024, we began construction on the 250 MW Hybrid
Renewables-Gas Power Plant in Zhanaozen, Mangystau Region. This
project combines advanced renewable energy plants, developed with
Plenitude, Eni’s subsidiary, and a gas power plant to ensure stable
electricity production,” the source noted.
The company added, “This hybrid approach is fully aligned with
Eni’s decarbonization strategy, and it demonstrates our joint
commitment to pioneering technologies for a low-carbon future in
the Mangystau Region”.
Eni continues to prioritize renewable energy and carbon
reduction in Kazakhstan, with potential for expansion into other
Central Asian countries. “We are currently focusing our efforts on
Kazakhstan in the renewable energy and carbon reduction space, and
we are committed to supporting the country’s transition to a
sustainable energy future”.
“Eni operates in Kazakhstan’s renewable sector through Arm Wind,
our fully owned subsidiary, with a total installed capacity of 150
MW. Notable projects include the 48 MW Badamsha-1 wind farm, the 48
MW Badamsha-2 wind farm, and the 50 MW solar plant in Turkestan,”
the company elaborated.
The source continued, “In January 2024, we confirmed our
commitment to the innovative 250 MW Hybrid Renewables-Gas Project
in Zhanaozen. This project will combine solar and wind energy with
gas to stabilize electricity production, addressing the challenges
of integrating fluctuating renewables into the grid.”
“We are now in the construction phase of this project. This
project will bring great value to the Grid by producing stable and
balanced electricity, especially in consideration of the
fluctuating character of renewables’ power generation and the issue
of their integration into the grid. We believe that hybrid projects
like these could become key solutions for enhancing grid stability
and ensuring energy security in Kazakhstan and other Central Asian
countries,” the company added.
At the same time, Eni reiterated its openness to consider
cooperation opportunities in the renewables sector in Central Asia,
leveraging on the common aspects between the countries.