Kazakhstan targets major gas production boost, LNG expansion by 2030
Plans include new processing plants, LNG complex in Astana, and expanded role in regional gas transit.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan (MNTV) — Kazakhstan has announced an ambitious plan to raise natural gas production from 59 billion to 74 billion cubic meters by 2030, as part of a broader effort to meet domestic demand, develop gas-based industries, and increase regional transit capacity.
The announcement was made by Deputy Minister of Energy Alibek Zhamauov during the “Energy Trends: Gas & Petrochemicals” forum held in Astana.
According to The Times of Central Asia, Zhamauov emphasized the importance of enhancing domestic gas processing to support national energy needs and feedstock for gas chemical projects.
“Our goal is to increase gas production to 74 billion cubic meters by 2030,” he said.
“But the key task is to process gas within the country as efficiently as possible to supply our citizens and industry, as well as to create a raw material base for gas chemistry.”
This growth will be driven by continued production at the country’s three largest fields — Tengiz, Karachaganak, and Kashagan — along with the development of new reserves such as Rozhkovskoye, Anabai, and Urikhtau.
Currently, more than 85% of Kazakhstan’s gas production comes from Tengiz (26%), Karachaganak (41%), and Kashagan (19%).
The government is also investing heavily in gas processing infrastructure.
Two new gas processing plants (GPPs) with a combined capacity of 3.5 billion cubic meters are planned for the Kashagan field.
Another GPP at Karachaganak will process 4 billion cubic meters annually, while a new facility in Zhanaozen will add 900 million cubic meters per year.
In addition, an LNG plant is scheduled for construction in Astana’s industrial zone, with a first-stage production capacity of 75,000 tons per year.
Chingiz Cherniyazdanov, director of the Kazakh Institute of Oil and Gas (KING), said the facility will source feedstock from the Saryarka trunkline and include a seasonal storage hub. Commissioning is expected in 2027.
Plans are also underway to expand the plant’s output to 100,000 tons per year after completion of the second string of the Beineu-Bozoi-Shymkent pipeline, which will double the pipeline’s capacity from 15 to 30 billion cubic meters annually.
The expansion will be carried out in two phases between 2025 and 2029.
Kazakhstan is simultaneously expanding its gas transit role.
Two new main pipelines — Aktobe-Kostanay and Taldykorgan-Usharal — are in the pipeline network development plan.
The country has also boosted the volume of Russian gas transiting through its territory to Uzbekistan.
According to Zhamauov, 1.28 billion cubic meters of Russian gas were transited in 2023. Although projections for 2024 were set at 3.8 billion, actual volumes reached 5.6 billion. Transit is expected to increase to 7.3 billion in 2025 and 11 billion by 2026.
Have Your Say!
Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? Please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@soundvision.com.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a Muslim Network TV’s representative. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
Tweet: @MuslimNetworkTV
We must take charge of our narrative. Research indicates that 92% of their Muslim coverage is negative. Help us change that.
