According to the project initiators, modern technologies will make it possible to use reeds for the production of biochar, fuel oil, gas and diesel fuel. At the same time, the project will be as eco-friendly as possible: biomass will be processed without chemicals or other harmful additives. The Akimat (local state administration) has already allocated a land plot of 50 hectares for the project implementation.
“Reed is a renewable energy source. On the territory of our region, it grows on 200 thousand hectares. The plant can reach up to 4 meters in height in 100 days. The processing of this type of reeds will make it possible to produce from 1 to 30 MW of green energy at mini-TPP stationary,” said Yerzhan Kolbaev, regional director of Kazakh Invest in Atyrau region.
In addition, the production has a great export potential. A plan has already been drawn up for the use of reed biochar in European countries. It is planned to export over 200 thousand tons annually, which is equivalent to over 1 million kW of thermal energy.
“We are currently negotiating with foreign companies in order to resolve the issue of project financing. We also plan to receive funds from international banks such as the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the World Bank (WB) and the Development Bank of Kazakhstan (DBK),” said Salamat Zhaskelenov, an official representative of KAMYSAY ATYRAU LLP.
The initiators say that the project will help to solve a number of problems of energy and heat consumption in the Atyrau region. The production of bio-solid fuels will meet the needs of the local market for "green" thermal and electric energy in remote communities, greenhouses, schools, hospitals and industrial facilities using such fuel as coal, diesel fuel and fuel oil. As a result, the volume of carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere will be significantly reduced.
Moreover, the project will resolve the issue of population employment. More than 500 people will be employed in the construction of the plant, and after putting into operation it will create about 350 permanent workplaces.
