| Location: | Shelek River, South Kazakhstan |
| Sector: | Energy |
| Total cost: | $ 117 mln |
| Chinese partner: | China Water Electric Co. Ltd.
Hydrochina Corporation |
| Kazakhstani partner: | Samruk Energy JSC |
| Construction start: | 2017 |
| Putting into commission: | 2020 |
China Water Electric Co. Ltd. (CWE) is a Chinese construction and engineering consulting company that is a subsidiary of China Three Gorges Corporation (CTE). CWE specializes in the construction of water and hydropower projects but its work runs the gamut including road and bridge, power transmission, drainage and sewage treatment systems, dredging, port maintenance, and interior design. The company has completed projects in China, the rest of Asia, Africa, and Europe, focusing especially on hydropower projects in developing countries.
Hydrochina Corporation furnishes comprehensive and full range of technical services in the field of hydropower, water resources development and wind power development in China, including planning of river basins, reconnaissance, design, consultancy, construction supervision, appraisal, evaluation, safety appraisal, check and acceptance, construction, project management and EPC contracting for hydropower and new energy development, and development, investment, operation and management of hydropower and new energy projects as well. The majority of water related projects in China are conducted by Hydrochina.[1]
Samruk-Energy JSC is a strategic energy holding company with a mission to implement state policy on the electric power industry, including through modernization of the existing and introducing the new generating capacities. Currently, Samruk-Energo JSC is the largest diversified energy holding that has successfully integrated into the global energy matrix, delivers value to its shareholders, and aims to form a highly efficient energy supply system that provides sustainable development for all industries of Kazakhstan.
During the 4th meeting of the Kazakh–Chinese Business Council a memorandum of cooperation between JSC Samruk - Energy and the Hydrochina Corporation was signed. The document provides for the participation of Chinese company in implementation of projects for construction of 60 MW wind power plant in Shelek corridor including a potential expansion in capacity up to 300 MW and 4 small hydropower plants on Shelek River.[2]
According to a preliminary feasibility study that was developed by Chinese party, the capacity of Almaty region’s Shelek district for construction of wind, solar and small hydro power plants is estimated at 1600 MW. As per calculations, this will considerably lower environmental impact, reduce the power deficit in the region through generation of nearly 5 bln. kWh of clean electricity a year. Commissioning is scheduled for the first quarter of 2020.
The partnership with Chinese corporation “Hydrochina Corporation” for renewable energy projects conforms to the principles of "Nurly Zhol" and “Silk Road Economic Belt" ("One belt, one road") program strategies and concepts.[3]