Kazakh Prime Minister demands faster progress on gas processing projectsPrime Minister Olzhas Bektenov has demanded swift action to accelerate construction of gas processing plants at Kazakhstan's key energy fields, directing national wealth fund Samruk-Kazyna to oversee the projects."The Samruk-Kazyna fund must take special control to ensure the timely completion of gas processing plants at Kashagan and Zhanaozen," Bektenov declared during Wednesday's government meeting. He simultaneously tasked the Energy Ministry with finalizing investment decisions for a new Karachaganak processing facility by September.Energy Minister Yerlan Akkenzhanov confirmed the Zhanaozen plant's first phase remains on track for completion by the end of 2024, with second-phase designs being finalized this week. "We expect state approval by July and have already secured all necessary equipment for delivery next year," Akkenzhanov stated.At Kashagan, QazaqGaz CEO Sanzhar Zharkeshov acknowledged previous construction delays but assured that work has resumed at full pace.  "There were problems at the Kashagan gas processing plant. Construction was moving slowly. Now, with the new contractor, all issues are 100% resolved, and we will complete construction on schedule," Zharkeshov said.The Zhanaozen facility, where construction began in November 2023, is planned for full operation by early 2027. Meanwhile, Kashagan is developing two processing plants - a 1 billion cubic meter facility currently under construction and a larger 2.5 billion cubic meter plant scheduled for 2030. (ICE ALMATY)

Fonte notizia: INTERFAX