The government is preparing rules to use oil-field gas for mining
The government of Kazakhstan is working on a mechanism to use flared gas from oil fields for mining. The project follows a decree signed by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, calling for legislation on opportunities related to gas in the sector.
The plan follows limits on electricity capacity for mining. The government had introduced an auction system to control energy use and protect a grid described as outdated, pushing much of the sector out of the country.
Daniyar Mubarakov of the Blockchain and Digital Mining Association told Euronews that miners would be ready to buy and install equipment to convert the gas into electricity. According to his estimate, gas produced in the country could generate between 1.2 and 1.3 TWh of energy.
The Ministry of Energy estimates that up to 60 oil fields produce flared gas. Batyr Bauyrzhan of WES LLP said the solution would allow miners to lock in energy prices for years.
Gizzat Baitursynov, deputy minister of AI and Digital Development, said a legal framework is being developed to define rules for businesses.
