ASTANA, Kazakhstan, May 7. Kazakhstan is set to transition to K6+ (advanced eco-fuel standard) fuel environmental standards, increase oil refining depth from the current 89 percent to 94 percent and higher, and develop petrochemicals and export-oriented production, Trend reports via the Ministry of Energy of Kazakhstan.
According to information, the technological level of the country's refineries will rise to a Nelson Complexity Index of over 11 due to fuel-petrochemical configurations, compared to the global average of 8–10. Plans also include establishing research infrastructure and advancing deep processing with the production of benzene, paraxylene, alkylates, and other products.
"The total investment required to implement the Concept is estimated at $15–19 billion. A launch ceremony for the expansion of the Aktau Bitumen Plant is planned for May this year — its processing capacity will be increased to 1.5 million tons of oil per year, and bitumen production will rise to 750,000 tons. By 2030, the capacity of the Shymkent refinery is expected to double from 6 to 12 million tons. In Pavlodar, expansion will occur in two phases: to 6 million tons by 2026 and to 8 million tons by 2032. At the Atyrau refinery, secondary processing capacity will increase to 6.7 million tons by 2028," the Ministry of Energy emphasized.
The strategy's implementation will attract investment into deep oil refining, ensure 100 percent coverage of domestic demand for fuels and lubricants, support the development of petrochemicals and applied science, workforce training, and the export of high-quality value-added petroleum products. It will also contribute to Kazakhstan’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2060 in line with the international ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) agenda.
