Worn heating networks and overloaded substations in Almaty to be upgraded under MEKS project

Worn heating networks and overloaded electrical substations in Almaty will be upgraded under the national Modernisation of Energy and Utilities Sectors (MEKS) project. According to the project's press service, the work will improve the reliability of heating and electricity supply, reduce outages and create capacity to connect new consumers.

At an on-site monitoring visit led by Deputy Minister of National Economy Asan Darbayev, officials reviewed project progress and problems hindering construction. One of the largest projects is the reconstruction of a heating main running from TPP-2 to the Western Heat Complex. Its pipelines have operated since the 1980s against a 25-year service life, and in places pipe walls have thinned by almost a third. AlES JSC chief engineer Bauyrzhan Kaliyev said the reconstruction had been discussed for more than ten years, but financing issues prevented work from starting. A contractor is now in place and earthworks have begun. Replacement of the old pipes is planned to start after the 2027 heating season, with full reconstruction expected by 2030.