Kazakhstan to deploy digital twins and AI-driven monitoring in energy sector by 2029

Kazakhstan plans a sweeping digital transformation of its energy sector, introducing digital twins, real-time monitoring and artificial intelligence to modernise management and boost efficiency by 2029.

According to Kazinform, a partner of TV BRICS, the initiative forms part of the national Digital Qazaqstan strategy and outlines a shift from fragmented automation to a unified, intelligent system overseeing the entire fuel and energy complex.

Speaking at a strategic roundtable, Vice Minister of Energy Ilyas Bakytzhan said authorities aim to build a fully integrated digital model of the country’s power system. This includes the creation of digital twins – virtual replicas of energy infrastructure – that will support both operational control and long-term planning.

According to the ministry, work on a complex of digital models and system-wide simulations will begin as early as this year. These tools will allow decision-makers to rely on real-time, data-driven insights rather than projections.

A key component of the reform is the introduction of vertical online monitoring. The system will track critical indicators across the sector – from electricity generation volumes to production costs – in real time.

In the oil and gas segment, Kazakhstan will also roll out digital twins covering extraction and processing facilities. At the same time, a full traceability system will monitor the movement of oil and petroleum products from wellhead to final sale, reducing discrepancies, misclassification and other irregularities.

The strategy further includes the development of an integrated master plan for the energy sector, aligning electricity and hydrocarbons with projected demand. This approach aims to ensure balanced growth and more efficient resource allocation.

Officials estimate that the adoption of artificial intelligence technologies could contribute up to US$20 billion to national GDP by 2030, underlining the economic potential of the transformation.