Kazakhstan builds $5 billion AI data center hub in Ekibastuz

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development Zhaslan Madiyev and Kazakhtelecom Chairman Bagdat Mussin visited the construction site of Data Center Valley in Ekibastuz, according to Qazinform News Agency, citing the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development. The delegation reviewed construction progress, key project stages and plans to establish Kazakhstan as an international hub for computing capacity.

The project will be developed in phases, with total power capacity expected to reach 1 GW. All 215 MW of first-phase capacity has been reserved, and the first 50 MW data center is expected to begin operations in the second quarter of 2027. The project is being developed in partnership with international technology companies, including NVIDIA and Firebird AI. Total investment is expected to reach around $5 billion.

Madiyev said artificial intelligence is becoming a major driver of economic growth and depends on strong infrastructure. One of the project's main advantages is access to electricity at rates starting as low as 2.5 US cents per kilowatt-hour. The project will also feature advanced cooling systems, energy-efficient technologies and measures to meet environmental standards.