Kazakhstan Faces Looming Electricity Shortfall, Risk of Blackouts
• Energy officials forecast widening electricity deficit in Kazakhstan, reaching 3.3 billion kWh by 2025
• Power grid divided into 3 unconnected zones, preventing distribution of excess electricity between regions
• Proposed solutions link grid zones; build nuclear power plant pending referendum decision
• Electricity imports and risk of blackouts expected to increase amid production shortfalls
• Rising demand driving deficit; production growth unable to keep pace