Renewable Project Environmental Review Report - Wind · 2020-07-14 · Renewable Energy Market...

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Consultancy Contract C26157REV/JPNS-2013-02-01 Kazakhstan Renewable Energy Financing Facility (KazREFF) - Strategic Environmental Review Renewable Project Environmental Review Report - Wind June 2014 ERM Japan Ltd. The Landmark Tower Yokohama 19th Floor, 2-2-1 Minatomirai, Nishi-ku YOKOHAMA 220-8119 Japan www.erm.com

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Contents

1.0 INTRODUCTION 1

2.0 RESOURCE AVAILABILITY AND POTENTIAL 2

2.1 RESOURCE AVAILABILITY 2

2.2 RESOURCE POTENTIAL 6

2.3 TRANSMISSION CAPACITY AND CONSTRAINTS 6

2.3.1 Existing Conditions 7

2.3.2 Anticipated Development 10

2.4 EXISTING PROJECTS 11

2.5 KNOWN PROPOSED PROJECTS 11

3.0 AVAILABLE AND PRACTICAL TECHNOLOGIES 14

3.1 COMPONENTS 14

3.1.1 Met Mast/Towers 15

3.1.2 Wind Turbines and Foundations 16

3.1.3 Support Buildings 17

3.1.4 Access Roads 18

3.2 GRID CONNECTIVITY 18

3.3 SITE DESIGN AND CONFIGURATION 20

3.3.1 Wind Farm Layouts 22

3.3.2 Construction 23

3.3.3 Commissioning, Operation, and Maintenance 24

3.3.4 Decommissioning 24

3.4 DEVELOPMENT COSTS 25

3.5 SUPPLY CHAIN IN KAZAKHSTAN 25

4.0 ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL CONSTRAINTS 27


5.0 KAZREFF PROJECT APPRAISAL - ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS 31

5.1 EBRD REQUIREMENTS 31

5.1.1 Category A 32

5.1.2 Category B 33

5.2 KAZAKHSTAN REQUIREMENTS 33

5.3 KAZREFF APPRAISAL PROCESS 35

5.3.1 Initial Screening 36

5.3.2 Documentation Review and Approval/Feedback 36

6.0 APPENDICES 38

ERM 1 KazREFF RPER Report WIND – June 2014

1.0 INTRODUCTION

This Renewable Project Environmental Review (RPER) Report for Wind in Kazakhstan is one of four separate reports (other RPER reports were prepared for solar photovoltaic, small hydropower, and biogas) that have been prepared by Environmental Recourses Management (ERM) for the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). These RPER reports are prepared to support the Kazakhstan Renewable Energy Financing Facility (KazREFF) Strategic Environmental Review (SER) and provide a resource to provide guidance to developers and their consultants, as well as technical evaluators of proposed renewable projects, by identifying areas of good potential and the nature and scale of technologies that can be applied in different parts of Kazakhstan.

The source documents which have informed this RPER report are as follows:

• ERM KazREFF Strategic Environmental Review, Final Inception Report, 29 May 2013;

• ERM KazREFF Strategic Environmental Review, Draft Scoping Report, 21 May 2013;

• Mercados Energy Markets International, Kazakhstan Renewable Energy Market Study, Draft Final Report, July 2013 (ÅF-Mercados EMI (2013));

• United Nations Development Programme/Global Environment Facility, Kazakhstan- Wind Power Market Development Initiative, 2006 (UNDP 2006);

• Black and Veatch, Renewable Energy in Ukraine Technical Report: Wind, 1 September 2011 (Black and Veatch 2011).

These sources have been supplemented by additional research carried out by ERM and additional sources of data identified in the text.


2.0 RESOURCE AVAILABILITY AND POTENTIAL

This section of the report identifies the characteristics of the wind rich resource areas of the country and the regions of Kazakhstan where wind farm development is technically feasible. It also assesses the nature and extent of constraints to wind farm development.

2.1 RESOURCE AVAILABILITY

Kazakhstan is the world’s ninth largest country being some 2.7 million km2 in extent. Figure 1 shows the different oblasts of Kazakhstan. The western regions are dominated by extensive lowlands that include Aral and Caspian Seas, while the centre of the country is characterised by rolling hills with peaks up to 1,565 m. The south eastern and south western parts of the country are bordered by mountain ranges. Approximately 10 per cent of the country is occupied by mountains (Figure 2). The expanse of land and terrain within Kazakhstan indicates the potential wind resource that could be available for exploitation.

Figure 1 Location Map


Figure 2 Topography Map

Kazakhstan is not wind resource limited (i.e. it will not be the availability of suitable wind regimes that will limit the amount of wind turbines deployed). Neither is it limited by available land. On the contrary, large swaths of the country have a very significant wind resource.

A wind atlas of Kazakhstan was developed as part of the United Nations Development Programme/Global Environment Facility (UNDP/GEF) Kazakhstan wind power market development initiative and is presented in Figure 3. The atlas shows the long-term average wind speed at 80 m above ground level, at 9 km resolution for much of the country, and at 100 m resolution for nine areas of particular interest. Green areas show areas of lower wind speeds and red areas show areas of high wind speed. It should be noted that the wind atlas shows the average wind speed of the various areas of Kazakhstan. Periods during which wind speed generation is higher are not taken into account. Studies have shown that wind speeds in Kazakhstan are higher in the winter months of December to January1.

A typical wind turbine can produce power at a minimum wind speed of 3.5 m/s, with the maximum wind speed for producing power being 25 m/s2. The optimum speed for power generation is typically 14 m/s. The UNDP/GEF atlas identifies that 50,000 km2 of territory across nine of the country’s 14 oblasts have a good wind resource (7—8 m/s). The north contains the highest wind power generation potential with Aqmola and North Kazakhstan oblasts averaging wind speeds of 8 m/s. Almaty Oblast

(1) Almaz Akhmetov (2012) Potential of Wind Power in Kazakhstan, LAP Lambert Academic Publishing AG & Co KG (2) http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/+/http://www.berr.gov.uk/files/file17821.pdf

http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/+/http:/www.berr.gov.uk/files/file17821.pdf


(southern Kazakhstan) also contain areas of very good (8—9 m/s) wind speeds and contains exceptional wind speeds (>9 m/s) in mountainous areas. The atlas also identifies significant wind resources in west Kazakhstan with the areas with greatest potential located in Mangistau Oblast. The Eastern Oblast of Kazakhstan has the least potential for wind farm development with average wind speeds of 5 m/s. However, development is still possible in this oblast as a typical wind turbine can still operate in these conditions.

Table below highlights the wind power generating capacity of the three regions of Kazakhstan with the most potential for wind farm development. This potential in relation to transmission capacity and constraints is discussed in Section 2.3.

Table 1 Regional Wind Farm Potential

Transmission Region Wind Farm Potential (MW)3

West 2,200

North 11,878

South 3,162

Total 17,240

Source Åf-Mercados EMI (2013)

3 Unit of power equal to one million watts. (MBt in Russian)

ERM 5 KasREFF SER RPER WIND – June 2014

Figure 3 Wind Atlas for Kazakhstan Map


2.2 RESOURCE POTENTIAL

Due to Kazakhstan’s wind energy potential and the increased demand for electricity in the country, a programme for wind farm development was created in by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (MEMR) with the support of United Nations Development Program (UNDP). The Kazakhstan – Wind Power Market Development Initiative” project began in December 2004 and finished in June 2011. The Project has been financed by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) with the Implementing Agency being the UNDP and the MEMR — now the Ministry of Industry and New Technology (MINT) — of the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan (RoK) as the Executing Agency4.

This programme as well as other initiatives, was used by the RoK government as a basis for a series of actions and targets for wind development from 2015 to 2030 which encourages the construction of wind farms generating a capacity of 250-300 MW by 2015 and a capacity of up to 2,000 MW by 2030. If capacity is constructed according to these timescales the electricity generated would amount to 1TWh5 by 2015 and up to 5 TWh by 2030.

Kazakhstan has very large coal, oil, gas and uranium resources that are all being actively exploited. The country is the third largest producer of crude oil in Central Asia, behind Russia and China and has the third largest reserves outside of the OPEC member countries. One result of the abundance of energy resources has been the lack of a driver for developing wind energy on the basis of a scarcity of indigenous energy resources. Nevertheless, other drivers needed to be (and were) identified such as the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, to strengthen local power supply and to act as an economic stimulus6.

2.3 TRANSMISSION CAPACITY AND CONSTRAINTS

To realise the wind energy potential of Kazakhstan wind farm locations will need to be in proximity to existing transmission lines and the existing electricity grid will need to have adequate capacity to receive the power generated. Sites that are situated a great distance from load centres or major transmission lines face greater development costs and are generally less favourable than sites with better access to these facilities. Larger projects are able to locate farther away from transmission while smaller projects are

4 Lessons learnt from the UNDP-GEF project “Kazakhstan — Wind Power Market Development Initiative, UNDP Kazakhstan, 2011. 5 Unit of energy equal to 1000 watt hours. 6 Lessons learnt from the UNDP-GEF project “Kazakhstan — Wind Power Market Development Initiative, UNDP Kazakhstan, 2011.


located closer to transmission, due to economies of scale of larger projects to absorb higher transmission costs7.

2.3.1 EXISTING CONDITIONS

The grid in Kazakhstan is state-owned and operated by the Kazakhstan Electricity Grid Operating Company (KEGOC). There are also 21 regional energy companies (RECs) that distribute electricity on a regional monopoly basis. Due to the size of Kazakhstan the network is characterised by long distance transmission. The Kazakhstan transmission network dates back to the Soviet era and has a history of underinvestment. However at present it has sufficient capacity and no voltage problems. The majority of the population is connected to the grid, less than 5 per cent of the population, located primarily in rural areas, are without electricity. However, in some areas power cuts or discontinuous supply are not uncommon due to grid capacity issues and a lack of local generation facilities. In addition, in some regions the industrial base has expanded and investment in power infrastructure has failed to keep pace. Figure 4 shows the areas of greatest population density and domestic energy demand in Kazakhstan.

Figure 4 Population Map by Oblast

The electricity grid is separated into three regions west, north and south (Figure 5). It has a general north-south split in generation and demand with approximately 80 per cent of the electricity being produced in the north near coal reserves and 70 per cent being used in the same industrialised region (UNDP/GEF 2011). The transmission system operates at 500 kV and 220 kV 7 Black & Veatch 2011


and consists of 24,101 km of 35 - 1150 kV overhead transmission lines and 74 power substations with an installed capacity of 34,408 MVA (see Figure 6). A 1,100 km 500 kV electricity transmission system has connected the north and south regions since 2009. Due to demand growth in the southern zone the transmission lines connecting north and south are fully loaded, and in the period of peak demand (winter) they are reported to be occasionally overloaded.

The northern electricity grid contains links to Russia and Central Asia and the southern network contains links to Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. The west of the grid is isolated from the remainder of the national electricity system and has interconnections with Russia.

From 2011 to 2013 power consumption significantly exceeded energy production, which, taken into account transmission losses has highlighted a deficit of approximately 800 MW. This deficit is currently overcome by importing electricity from neighbouring countries. Demand is projected to reach 145 TWh by 2030 from the current level (CAGR of 2.6 per cent) (Åf-Mercados EMI 2013).

Figure 5 Transmission Regions in Kazakhstan


The proximity of existing transmission lines to areas of high wind power potential and the good correlation between seasonal wind levels and the peak

95

90

390480

700

1173

658

1720

1180

160

1020

1020

860

160

1620

348

1862

337 1823160

8501609

209700

3195

320


in demand for electricity (the winter months) create conditions that favour the successful integration of wind power development in Kazakhstan.

In particular developing wind power projects in the south could help solve the problem of the overload of the north-south transmission lines. The northern zone has an excess of generation, but development would still be an advantage in order to reduce the power imports from neighbouring Russia. The western grid operates separately and currently has a load shortage of about 100 MW, which is also covered by power import from Russia. Again wind power development would reduce Kazakhstan’s reliance on imports from Russia.

Figure 6 Transmission System Map

Table 2 below gives an overview of the distribution of potential wind power in Kazakhstan, the proposed scale of development by 2030 according to the MEMR and UNDP wind farm development plan and the grid capacity by region.

Table 2 Wind Farm Potential and Grid Capacity in Kazakhstan

(MW) Wind Farm Potential

Grid capacity* Wind Farm proposed in 2030

(UNDP)

West 2,200 601 250

North 11,878 2,705 800


South 3,162 718 950

Total 17,240 4,024 2,000

* Based on expert judgement, taking 20 per cent of installed capacity as the guiding rule of thumb. Source: Åf-Mercados EMI (2013)

The table shows that approximately 20 per cent of potential installed capacity in the three regions could currently be connected to the grid. In order for Kazakhstan to achieve its potential of 17,240 MW generated by wind power the grid would require upgrading. The proposed target of generating 2,000 MW generated by 2030 are achievable with the existing transmission grid.

Based on power demand and transmission connectivity all three regions have wind farm development potential. However, there are some other considerations that need to be taken into account which may present barriers to wind development.

The west, due to its isolation may have stability problems if no grid development projects are implemented. For a power grid to remain stable, the frequency and phase of all power generation units must remain synchronous within narrow operational limits. Wind power generation is not constant and as the western grid has limited connections it may not be able to handle small frequency changes. The north, however, has a balancing advantage, due to sufficient transmission capacity to the Russian grid, which has a relatively stable power system. This region also has the highest potential capacity and strong connections to the southern region.

2.3.2 ANTICIPATED DEVELOPMENT

The suitability of the above regions for development of wind power assumes that there is no investment in the electricity grid of Kazakhstan. However it should be noted that considerable network development both on-going and planned is being undertaken by Government of the RoK and KEGOC.

Projects planned, or currently being implemented, include:

• Modernization of the national electrical network (NEN) to be completed by 2016. The project comprises reconstruction of the majority of substations and construction of some new transmission lines;

• Construction of a 500 kV substation "Alma" ( located in the area of Almaty) with connection to the NEN This will eliminate the overloading of existing "Almaty" substation and ensure the reliability of power supply to the Almaty region; and


• Reconstruction of a 220 kV overhead line central main substation in Astana.

There are also plans for connecting the western grid to the national grid by 2030.

2.4 EXISTING PROJECTS

At present there is only one wind farm in operation in Kazakhstan. The Kordai wind farm has a capacity of 1.5 MW (two turbines of 750 kW) and is located in the south of Kazakhstan in Zhambyl Oblast. This project is scheduled to be expanded to a capacity of 20 MW by the end of 2013.

2.5 KNOWN PROPOSED PROJECTS

In addition to small-scale local wind farms, larger scale installations are planned. The 2006 UNDP/GEF identifies 26 potential large wind farm locations which could be developed due to their optimal conditions in terms of grid connections and wind speeds. Not all of these sites however are likely to be developed due to other technical development constraints. At present there are 10 sites identified for development in 2014 by the Ministry of Industry and New Technologies (MINT) (see Table 3 and Figure 7). Half of these sites are located in the northern grid with only two located in the western region.

Each of these projects should be evaluated against the technical constraints outline in Section 3.3 and the environmental social constraints outlined in Section 4.0. These projects are scattered throughout Kazakhstan and therefore, do not appear to contribute to adverse cumulative impacts issues.

Table 3 MINT Wind Farm Sites to be Developed by 2014

Site Number Site Geographic Region

Grid Installed capacity,

MW (MBt)

1 Shelek corridor Southern Kazakhstan

South 51

2 Djungar gates Eastern Kazakhstan

North 50

3 Upper Tainti, East Kazakhstan

Eastern Kazakhstan

North 24

4 2 km to the East of Kargalinsk

Central North 10


Site Number Site Geographic Region

Grid Installed capacity,

MW (MBt)

city, Karagandy Kazakhstan

5 2 km to the South-West of Yermentau, (Mount Yermentau)

Central Kazakhstan

North 35

6 5 km to the West of Arkalyk city, Kostanay, (Mount Arkalyk)

Central Kazakhstan

North 40

7 40 km to the North-East of Atyrau city (near Karabatan)

Western Kazakhstan.

West 40

8 10 km South-West of Fort-Shevchenko city, Mangistau

Western Kazakhstan

West 40

9 Zhysymndik South Kazakhstan

South 40

10 30 km South-West of Qorday Zhambyl

Southern Kazakhstan

South 20

Source: (Åf-Mercados EMI (2013)


Figure 7 Location of Proposed MINT sites for 2014

Source: MINT (2010) www.kazembassy.org.uk


3.0 AVAILABLE AND PRACTICAL TECHNOLOGIES

This section looks at the type of technology that would be employed for wind farm development in Kazakhstan. It details the key activities and environmental and physical constraints to be taken into consideration for the construction, operation and decommissioning of a potential site. It also discusses the current status of the wind power supply chain in Kazakhstan.

3.1 COMPONENTS

Three types of wind project are presently being considered for wind power generation in Kazakhstan. These projects are as follows:

• Small wind farms with less than 20 MW of capacity; • Medium size wind farms with capacities ranging from 20 MW

to 100 MW; and • Large wind farms with greater than 100 MW of capacity (see

Table 4).

In general, a turbine’s generating capacity typically extends to 2.5 to 3 MW with 5 MW models currently under development.

The following sections detail the typical wind farm components required for these projects, the layout of these components and the performance and operation of a typical wind farm. Project costs and component availability in Kazakhstan are also discussed.

Table 4 Typical Wind Farm Sizes

System Size Small

Medium Large

Capacity <20 20-100 >100

No. of Turbines 7-20 7-50 50+

Source: Black and Veatch 2011

There are four main wind farm components described in the sections below:

• Meteorological (met) masts (and occasionally also met mast foundations);

• Wind turbine foundations and wind turbines; • Buildings housing electrical switchgear, supervisory control

and data acquisition equipment, and possibly spares and maintenance facilities; and

• Access roads.


3.1.1 MET MAST/TOWERS

Once a potential wind farm site is identified a met tower is usually installed to monitor the wind conditions of the site and confirm its suitability. These towers typically measure the wind speed, wind direction, temperature, pressure and humidity at the site. This data is important in developing a robust template for site design. The number of towers required is linked to the terrain of the proposed site. Wind farms located in complex terrain are more likely to require more than one mast to give an adequate picture of the wind resource across the site.

Typically there are three types of tower used in wind farm development. An initial small mast of approximately 40 m is installed first which requires no foundations and can be secured by guy ropes. These towers are usually installed 1 to 3 years before site construction. The data collected from these towers is extrapolated to reveal the predicted wind speeds at full wind turbine height (80-100m).

If after this data is analysed, the site is considered suitable for development, then met towers of wind turbine hub height are installed (usually approximately 80 m), as necessary, to confirm the monitoring results. These towers are usually in situ for 2 to 3 months before turbine construction.

Usually full turbine height permanent met towers are installed to monitor wind resources for operating wind farms. These towers typically require foundations and help ensure the efficient performance of installed turbines as shown in Figure 8.

Figure 8 Typical Permanent Met Mast


3.1.2 WIND TURBINES AND FOUNDATIONS

There are commonly two types of wind turbine, vertical and horizontal axis machines. The most common design is the horizontal three bladed axis turbines. Two bladed axis turbines are generally cheaper however they have a higher operational noise than three bladed axis turbines and, depending on the location of a proposed development this may affect their use. The main components of a utility-scale wind turbine are presented below:

Turbine - A wind turbine comprises of a tower that supports a nacelle, the main shell containing an electric generator and the turbine blades attached via a hub. The nacelle has an anemometer attached so that the direction in which the blades face can be altered to maximise wind capture. It also houses the mechanical machinery and a device known as "the yaw mechanism", which allows the machine to turn itself towards the prevailing wind (Figure 9).

Figure 9 Schematic of Wind Turbine

Images courtesy of http://www.boem.gov/Renewable-Energy-Program/Renewable-Energy-Guide/Offshore-Wind-Energy.aspx and http://www.intechopen.com/books/advances-in-wind-power/wind-turbine-generator-technologies

Blades - The majority of rotor blades are made of glass reinforced plastic or wood epoxy but can be of aluminium or steel. A turbine works by the movement of wind through the rotor blades creating energy which spins a shaft leading from the hub of the rotor to a generator. This process results in electricity generation. A typical 80 m high tower contains a rotor diameter of approximately 90 m giving an overall operating height of 125 m.

http://www.boem.gov/Renewable-Energy-Program/Renewable-Energy-Guide/Offshore-Wind-Energy.aspx

http://www.boem.gov/Renewable-Energy-Program/Renewable-Energy-Guide/Offshore-Wind-Energy.aspx

http://www.intechopen.com/books/advances-in-wind-power/wind-turbine-generator-technologies

http://www.intechopen.com/books/advances-in-wind-power/wind-turbine-generator-technologies


Tower - The tower of a turbine is installed using prefabricated tubes. Tubular towers are preferred due to aesthetic qualities and the ability to use the base of the tower for the switchgear and controls. Such a design also makes access to the nacelle safer, as a ladder can be placed inside the tower. Tower height varies depending on the manufacturer and amount of power generated. Rotor length also determines the minimum height of the tower as an appropriate clearance is required for the blades to turn safely. Typical turbine towers range from 80 to 100 m in height.

Base/Foundation – The detailed design of foundations depends on the type of foundation used and the ground conditions of the site. Turbine towers are generally fixed to a concrete foundation up to 18 m in diameter and 4 m deep, dependent on the size of the turbine. A turbine foundation must support the weight of all of the turbine equipment as well as the thrust load produced by the rotors. The surface of the foundation is normally flush with the surrounding ground (see Figure 10). If a site is located in land normally used for agricultural purposes, agricultural use can continue up to the edge of and over the foundations. Specially designed foundations such as piled foundations can also be used to minimise ground disturbance. For example wind erosion is widespread in Kazakhstan in arid and semi-arid areas, special mitigation measures such as piled foundations could be utilised to minimise construction impacts.

Figure 10 Wind Turbine Foundation Schematic and Photograph

Photo courtesy of http://dnrc.mt.gov/Trust/Wind/JudithGap.asp

3.1.3 SUPPORT BUILDINGS

Wind farms require a central computerised monitoring system, which controls the operation of the turbines. As mentioned above, switch gear, transformer and control equipment can occasionally be located in the turbine tower, however sometimes an additional building is required adjacent to the turbines. This on-site equipment is linked electronically to an operations headquarters off-site. Most wind farms do not contain permanent onsite staff however some larger sites may require staff during operation.

http://dnrc.mt.gov/Trust/Wind/JudithGap.asp


The control unit is used to manage the turbines to avoid damage to equipment and enable a complete shut down when wind speeds are too high. Turbines can also be shut down when wind speeds are too low to be commercially viable.

The transformer is used to increase low voltages produced by the wind turbines to a higher voltage which can then be collected by a substation.

3.1.4 ACCESS ROADS

During the construction and operation phases wind turbines will normally require adequate means of vehicular access, capable of supporting heavy goods vehicles (HGV) carrying machinery. Stone and aggregate for access tracks and hard standing, concrete and steel for foundations, and cabling to transfer electricity, for example, will all need to be transported to site.

Extra-long vehicles carrying wind turbine rotors and towers (abnormal loads) will also be required to access the site. This will require the development of access roads to the site and connections to exiting road networks. In Kazakhstan, roads are the main infrastructure for haulage. In Kazakhstan many rural roads are in poor repair. A Strategy of Transport Sector Development for works up to 2015 has been developed, however the strategy is primarily focused on major transport corridors. In rural areas roads may not currently be accessible to HGVs or be suitable for abnormal loads. An abnormal loads and HGV assessment would be necessary for any potential wind farm site. Potential wind farm areas in more rural areas may therefore be inaccessible for development without substantial road infrastructure costs.

3.2 GRID CONNECTIVITY

Wind turbines are induction generators that require reactive power, depending on the output power and power factor correction, which can cause self-excitation, thus increasing harmonic content. Increasing harmonic content can create stability concerns for an interconnection, especially within weaker power systems (e.g. radial distribution lines). Different padmount transformer configurations can also increase or decrease the amount of fault current onto the system, so it is important to design the system to keep the zero sequence impedance to a minimum, but still have a ground reference (so no overvoltage scenarios occur). Series neutral reactors or resistors can be added to the neutral connections of the collection system to increase the zero sequence impedance, thus decreasing the fault current. The on-site collection system is typically operated at voltages of 25 to 35 kV. Wind projects of different sizes have different interconnection concerns as discussed below.

Smaller interconnections (< 20 MW) are typically more feasible to interconnect at lower voltages due to the equipment necessary to build out an interconnection substation for the wind farm. These interconnections would


be best suited at the lower transmission voltage and distribution levels. The other reason for this is that smaller wind farms will typically serve local load instead of delivering power across long high-voltage transmission lines. The only caveat is that intermittent resources should not be interconnected to radial distribution systems due to stability concerns at the local distribution level. Smaller scale wind farms can typically deliver the power through one medium voltage underground feeder which may tap directly into the distribution system at an interconnection substation Each individual wind turbine will require a low voltage to medium voltage step-up transformer, although some newer models have built-in transformers inside the nacelle. A step-up transformer from the medium voltage side of the wind turbine pad mount transformers may not be necessary if the feeder voltage is the same as the distribution voltage. Distribution interconnection codes vary and should be used to determine requirements.

Medium scale interconnections (20-100 MW) are more feasible to interconnect at the medium transmission voltages, such as 220 kV and 330 kV. These project substations require larger equipment, but are acceptable for medium scale wind farms. These wind farms may serve local load, but can also be delivered into key transmission substations which step up to higher voltages. It is also optimal to locate these at substations with multiple outlets to avoid curtailment and ensure delivery of power. Medium scale interconnections typically require two to four medium-voltage feeders that collect into enclosed switchgear within a new collector substation at the project site which then is connected via overhead transmission to an interconnection substation. The switchgear may also be located within an existing substation and interconnected to a built out bus within the fence.

Large scale interconnections (>100 MW) are injected at higher voltage substations that have multiple outlets. The reason for this is to allow for delivery dispersed between multiple transmission lines and to avoid curtailment.

Figure 11 shows an example of a wind turbine with connecting cables and sub station.


Figure 11 Typical Grid Connection for Wind Turbine

Source: Black & Veatch 2011

3.3 SITE DESIGN AND CONFIGURATION

As a rough guide, the installed capacity of the wind farm is likely to be 18 to 48 hectares per MW8. Lower capacities relate to areas of forest land while higher capacities relate to areas of farmland. As a general rule grouped turbines need to be positioned to allow a separation distance of around 3-4 rotor diameters between turbines. This limits energy loss through wind shadowing from upstream machines. Due to this spacing not all land within a proposed site is impacted by development; only two to eight per cent of a site is typically impacted by development 9 . This affected land can be separated into permanent structures of turbines and access roads and temporary impacts of laydown areas and access routes. Typically, the existing land use activities can continue during operation (e.g. farming and grazing).

Several factors should be considered when selecting a site and designing its configuration. The quality of the resource is an obvious primary consideration; however, there are some other significant issues in Kazakhstan, identified in the SER that should be considered when siting power facilities:

• Ground slope – In general ground slopes of less than 20 per cent are optimal for wind power plants. While plants can be designed to work

8 Denholm, P. et al, “Land-Use Requirements of Modern Wind Power Plants in the United States.” National Renewable Energy Lab NREL/TP-6A2-45834, August 2009.

9 Black & Veatch 2011


on more steeply slopes lands, it is more economical to work of flatter lands. Access roads are also needed within the facility during construction and later for routine maintenance, so minimal slope is optimal.

• Extreme weather – Kazakhstan has cold winters which can reach as low as -58 °C and hot summers which can reach as high as 53 °C. Much of the north of the country is affected by snow in the winter. Such extreme temperatures could impact upon turbine functionality and may require extra servicing or advanced specification equipment. This is particularly relevant since the north of Kazakhstan has a high potential for wind development which is in highest demand in the winter months. Areas in the west of the country have an arid desert climate which could have implications on turbine foundation construction and turbine functionality. This may also impact project economics and should be considered for projects in the northern and eastern oblasts. In addition, areas with winds that are extremely strong may require design modifications to prevent damage to the turbines.

• Flood prone areas – Construction of wind power facilities in areas

prone to flooding could result in the damage of turbine foundations and associated infrastructure. In general, construction in flood prone areas should be avoided.

• Seismicity, mudflows, and landslides - Construction of wind power

facilities in areas of high seismicity or in areas prone to mudflows and landslides could result in the damage of turbines and associated infrastructure. In general, construction in high risk areas for these hazards should be avoided.

• Contaminated lands – Construction of solar facilities on contaminated

lands may be a beneficial use of these degraded areas; however, special consideration must be made to ensure the health of workers that could be exposed to contaminants at the surface (e.g. nuclear testing areas) or below ground during construction.

• Land use - Wind power facilities would not be economically feasible

on open water, especially given the abundance of available land in Kazakhstan; therefore, it is unlikely any facilities would be water-based.

• Proximity to transmission grid and loading – In general, facilities

should be located proximate to existing substations with capacity on the transmission grid. Wind power facilities become to become less economical at increasing distances from substations due to the costs


associated with extending distribution or transmission lines to the wind power plant.

3.3.1 WIND FARM LAYOUTS

The layout of a wind farm is site specific; it looks at the most efficient placement of turbines combined with the landforms/landscape the turbines are set within. The landscape of Kazakhstan is extremely diverse therefore no generic layout will suit all sites.

The most common layouts are a single line and grid (see Figures 12 and 13). These layouts are generally suited to the two types of terrain commonly used for wind farm siting, hill ridges and flat land. Hill ridges typically use a single line layout as it generates the best wind exposure. In the case of a site on flat land, a grid layout enables the wind resource to be captured in all areas of the site.

Figure 12 Photograph of a Ridge Line Wind Farm Installation

Source : http://www.ostenergy.com/en/Wind

http://www.ostenergy.com/en/Wind


Figure 13 Photograph of a Grid Layout Wind Farm Installation

Source: http://www.snh.gov.uk/docs/A337202.pdf

3.3.2 CONSTRUCTION

Construction of a wind farm site is site specific as it relates to the type, size and location of the proposed wind farm. In general however the construction of a typical wind farm site will consist of the following phases:

• Mobilisation, including demarcation of the site boundary if practical, erection of temporary fencing or other suitable measures to protect adjacent sensitive habitats, and creation of a construction compound for off-loading materials and components and to accommodate temporary site offices and welfare facilities;

• Creation of suitable access to site boundary; • Site clearance including any tree/shrub felling to allow

construction of new tracks, stripping of vegetation, top and subsoil, and creation of soil storage areas;

• Construction of internal tracks for access to turbines, mast and switch building locations;

• Excavation of cable trenches and laying of electricity and communications cables;

• Construction of turbine foundations including necessary excavations;

• The delivery and erection of turbine towers and installation of nacelles and blades;

• Construction of the grid connection and operations and control building including the switchgear and metering;

http://www.snh.gov.uk/docs/A337202.pdf


• Erection of the permanent met mast; and • Progressive site reinstatement and restoration.

3.3.3 COMMISSIONING, OPERATION, AND MAINTENANCE

Once construction is complete, the wind farm is commissioned. Commissioning involves standard tests for electrical infrastructure and turbines. It usually takes a period of six months for the wind farm to reach full operation with operational levels increasing from 80 per cent–90 per cent after commissioning to a long-term operational level of 97 per cent or more10.

Once in operation, the turbines will normally be automated and visits to the site by operations staff will only be required approximately once a week for scheduled services and visual inspection of the turbines.

Longer visits for servicing, typically every six months, will be required to check and inspect blades, fastenings and oil quality. An oil change should only be necessary if there is an indication of degradation in the oil quality following the six monthly inspections. The blade and main brake activation systems usually under hydraulic control will require hydraulic oil replacement every five years. Unscheduled maintenance may also be required if there are equipment problems. If this is required for equipment within the nacelle then a crane will need to be brought to the site.

3.3.4 DECOMMISSIONING

The projected operational lifetime of a typical wind farm is 25 years. After this period there are two options, repowering the site and replacing existing wind turbines or decommissioning the site, removing the wind turbines and other major structures and reinstating the site.

Prior to decommissioning, a decommissioning method statement, detailing or how the site will be restored is usually prepared and approved by the relevant authorities.

At present wind turbines and met masts are removed by crane and reused elsewhere if possible. In the case of the foundation works, upper sections are removed and the voids backfilled with appropriate materials to support the land use at that time. Underground cables and deep concrete foundations are usually left in place as removal is likely to cause more disruption than leaving them in-situ. However, if techniques exist at that time to allow sensitive removal then these will be appraised and considered. Surface vegetation or soil make-up is also to be restored. As with the turbines the electrical control

10 http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2009/04/wind-farm-design-planning-research-and-commissioning

http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2009/04/wind-farm-design-planning-research-and-commissioning

http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2009/04/wind-farm-design-planning-research-and-commissioning


building and internal equipment is removed and reused or recycled where possible.

3.4 DEVELOPMENT COSTS

Wind farm costs are largely determined by the complexity of the site and the turbine loads. The site may be considered complex if the ground conditions are difficult, for example hard rock or very wet ground or poor accessibility. A very windy site with high turbine loads will result in the need for more sophisticated civil infrastructure as well as turbines with site specific specifications. Table 5 shows the costs associated with a typical wind farm for each size of project. Extreme site examples are not included.

Table 5 Typical Wind Farm Costs

Small Medium Large

Installation Cost (US$/kW)

2300-2700 2000-2500 1900-2300

Maintenance Cost (US$/kW)

50-60 40-50 40-50

Source: Black and Veatch 2011

3.5 SUPPLY CHAIN IN KAZAKHSTAN

At present there is little wind farm development in Kazakhstan and therefore the wind turbine components industry and its associated supply chain of goods and services is poorly developed. As a result, it is reasonable to assume in the short- to medium-term, that components for wind power technology will need to be supplied from external sources. However, it was noted during meetings with local university meetings, that extreme climatic conditions in Kazakhstan may be unsuitable for imported technology and that these conditions may provide an impetus for local development of this technology. Skills and equipment from the extractives sector may have the potential to be adapted to aspects of wind farm development.

The world’s leading manufacturer of wind turbines is Denmark's Vestas with just under 15 per cent of the market share in 2011, other leading manufacturers are located in China, Germany and India( ). Kazakhstan is placed to take advantage of these manufacturers especially China through importing turbines using road and rail links. Successful wind farm development would require the expansion of the industry to provide locally sourced specialist equipment. For example the erection of wind turbines will require special cranes to assemble the towers of approximately 80 m. These cranes at present may not be readily available. Typical wind farm


components of foundations and towers however use basic construction materials and labour and therefore may be able to be sourced locally.


4.0 ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL CONSTRAINTS

A detailed assessment of environmental and social constraints related to wind (and the other three RES evaluated) is provided in the SER Report. Environmental and social factors that could significantly impact the effectiveness, economic feasibility, and therefore, the siting of these facilities are addressed in Section 3.3 of this RPER. In addition, there are areas of high environmental and/or social sensitivity the proximity of which should also be strongly considered. These environmental and/or social high sensitivity areas are discussed in detail in the SER and are summarized in this section.

• Important Bird Areas/Migratory Birds - There is a significant potential for birds and bat mortality resulting from wind strikes with turbines. Therefore, the siting of wind facilities in Important Bird Areas (IBAs), near known bird migratory routes, or bat roosting habitat should be avoided to the greatest extent possible. In addition, due to the height of wind turbines and the flight paths of migratory birds, an additional protective buffer of 5km should be placed around IBAs. Where siting facilities within an IBA or the buffer area is unavoidable, a more detailed assessment of environmental effects and additional impact mitigation measures will be required.

• Forested Areas - Potential wind sites in forested areas would be discouraged given the relative lack of this habitat and the abundance of un-forested areas throughout the country. When siting facilities within a forested area is unavoidable, a more detailed assessment of environmental effects and additional impact mitigation measures will be required.

• Protected/Designated Lands - Potential wind sites in or near other areas afforded legal protection, including National Parks, and preserved lands would be discouraged given the relative lack of this habitat and the abundance of un-forested areas throughout the country. When siting facilities within a protected/designated area is unavoidable, additional impact mitigation measures will be required.

• Surface Water Quality - Due to clearing, grading, trenching and foundation construction for the wind power plant components, there is a potential for soil erosion during construction. Due to this potential, if wind power facilities are located within 1km of a surface water feature (e.g., intermittent or perennial stream, lakes, or ponds), a more detailed assessment of environmental effects and additional impact mitigation measures will be required.

• Cultural heritage - Special care should be taken to avoid siting wind facilities at or within the viewshed of known or tentative UNESCO


World Heritage sites due to the global uniqueness of these areas. Special care should also be taken to avoid placing wind facilities on or near locally-registered cultural heritage sites. Given the height of potential wind turbines, the lack of obstructive forest cover over most of Kazakhstan, and the generally flat terrain, a viewshed buffer of 20km should be placed around known or tentative UNESCO and national heritage features. When siting facilities within a viewshed buffer is unavoidable, a more detailed assessment of environmental effects and additional impact mitigation measures will be required. Cultural heritage features themselves would be considered exclusion zones.

• Material Assets/Social - Airplane or helicopter pilots can become disoriented by potential flicker and reflection of light off spinning wind turbine blades. In addition, the height of these wind turbines can create a higher potential for crashes in poor visibility conditions near airports. Therefore, special measures should be taken to avoid siting facilities near airports. Given the height of potential wind turbines, a buffer of 5km should be placed around airports. When siting facilities within a buffer is unavoidable, a more detailed assessment of environmental effects and additional impact mitigation measures will be required. Airports themselves would be considered exclusion zones.

• Settlements/Social – When considering potential wind farm sites, the impact on nearby residents and communities should be taken into account. Wind farms can impact upon residents through noise generation, vibration, and visual impacts (including shadow flicker) and construction/ operation traffic. Appropriate distances away from built up areas should be taken into account when analysing a potential site; therefore, a buffer of 1km should be placed around settlements (e.g., villages, towns, cities). When siting facilities within a buffer is unavoidable, a more detailed assessment of environmental effects and additional impact mitigation measures will be required. Settlements themselves would be considered exclusion zones.

• Cumulative effects – Special consideration should be given to the impact of concentrating multiple wind farms in a tightly constrained wind resource area that is also used as a major migratory bird flyway or near an IBA. Potentially significant cumulative effects associated with wind are presented in Table 6. Guidance for cumulative impact assessment at the development-specific level is available for RES from a number of different sources. These will be used as required by the Project Implementation Unit to establish the methodology for specific financed projects where there are potential cumulative impacts. A list of the most recent and relevant guidance and research is provided below:


o Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH). “Assessing the Cumulative Impact of Onshore Wind Energy Developments”, March 2012. Available at: http://www.snh.gov.uk/docs/A675503.pdf.

o Band, W., Madders, M., Whitfield, D.P. (2007). Developing field and analytical methods to assess avian collision risk at wind farms. In “Birds and Wind farms: Risk Assessment and Mitigation” Eds. Manuela de Lucas, Guyonne F. E. Janss and Miguel Ferrer. Quercus Books.

o Masden, E.A., Haydon, D.T., Fox, A.D., Furness, R.W., Bullman, R & Desholm, M. (2009). Barriers to movement: impacts of wind farms on migrating birds ICES J. Mar. Science. 66: 746-753.

o Maclean, I. & Rehfisch, M. (2008). Developing techniques for ornithological cumulative impact assessment. BTO Report 513.

o Pearce-Higgins, J.W., Stephen, L., Langston, R.H.W., Bainbridge, I.P. & Bullman, R (2009). The distribution of breeding birds around upland wind farms. Journal of Applied Ecology 46: 1323–1331.

http://www.snh.gov.uk/docs/A675503.pdf


Table 6 Cumulative effect issues associated with wind power generation and mitigation measures

Issue Valued Resources

Geographic Boundary

Temporal Boundary Potential Mitigation Measures

WIND Cumulative effects on bird migration by wind development because of the potential for large wind farms to be concentrated near important migratory bird routes or near an IBA. A tight concentration of wind farms in a tightly constrained flyway or near IBAs, could have a significant mortality effect on migrating birds. This may be compounded during poor weather with low visibility.

Biodiversity – birds

Areas of high wind speed near migratory routes and IBAs

Project operation until demobilisation

Evaluate cumulative effects of specific wind farms near migratory pathways and IBAs and implement siting/spacing limitations. Also, implement technology mitigation measures, outlined in Table 8-38.

Cumulative effects to aesthetics associated with siting multiple wind facilities in a single viewshed

Landscape

Areas of high wind speed near settlements or recreational areas

Project operation until demobilisation

Visual screening, limits on the number of facilities in a defined area, and siting/design modifications to decrease visual impact.

Cumulative impacts to roads and related infrastructure from the development of multiple wind facilities in a concentrated area

Material assets - roads

Areas of high wind speed

Project construction

Regional planning to limit the number of wind facilities in a sensitive area or contributions to a fund used to pay for regional road and infrastructure improvements.


5.0 KAZREFF PROJECT APPRAISAL - ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS

Wind projects funded under KazREFF will be subject to the following environmental and social requirements, as stipulated by EBRD:

• The EBRD’s Environmental and Social Policy (2008) and its associated Performance Requirements.

• Applicable requirements of Kazakhstan, including but not limited to those related with environmental impact assessments, environmental permitting, labour, public consultation, resettlement and compensation, occupational health and safety, community health and safety, and emergency response.

• Relevant European Union Directives and requirements • International best practices, including those promulgated by

other international financial institutions, the International Labour Organisation, and others.

5.1 EBRD REQUIREMENTS

Projects would need to adhere to the EBRD Environmental and Social Policy and its associated Performance Requirements (PR), which cover the following areas:

• PR 1: Environmental and Social Appraisal and Management • PR 2: Labour and Working Conditions • PR 3: Pollution Prevention and Abatement • PR 4: Community Health & Safety and Security • PR 5: Land Acquisition, Involuntary Resettlement and

Economic Displacement • PR 6: Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Resource

Management • PR 7: Indigenous Peoples • PR 8: Cultural Heritage • PR 9: Financial Intermediaries (FI) • PR 10: Information Disclosure and Stakeholder Engagement

Depending upon the scale of KazREFF project, EBRD would require a series of environmental documents to be produced in order to gain EBRD funding. Projects are screened at an early stage and placed into one of the four following categories, depending on the level and type of environmental and social due diligence that is required:


• Category A projects are those with potentially significant and diverse environmental and social impacts, requiring detailed impact assessments

• Category B projects are those with environmental and social impacts that are site-specific and can be addressed through readily available management and mitigation techniques

• Category C projects have minimal environmental or social impacts

• FI projects are where the EBRD is investing in a Financial Intermediary, such as a bank or equity fund.

This categorization reflects: (i) reflect the level of potential environmental and social effects and issues associated with the proposed project; and (ii) determine the nature and level of environmental and social investigations, information disclosure and stakeholder engagement required for each project, taking into account the nature, location, sensitivity and scale of the project, and the nature and magnitude of its possible environmental and social effect and issues.

Due to the relatively small scale of the potential KazREFF projects, most would likely fall under Category B, as the potential adverse environmental and/or social effects that they may give rise to are typically site-specific, and/or readily identified and addressed through mitigation measures. However, the siting of wind facilities within or near sensitive/protected areas or in situations where impacts could be more severe may result in these being classified as Category A projects. This determination is made by EBRD and KazREFF in the initial project phases.

5.1.1 CATEGORY A

If a project is considered to be a Category A project, it is usual to expect that it would require the development and disclosure of an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Package including:

• An ESIA; • A Non-Technical Summary (NTS); • An Environmental and Social Action Plan (ESAP); • A Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP); • A Land Acquisition Plan (if land acquisition is required); • A Resettlement Action Plan (if population displacement is

required).

Disclosure of these documents generally allows for a 120 day public consultation period, after which the documents are finalized, published, and financing may be secured. In general, the timeframe for completing the environmental and social review process for a Category A project typically takes 9 to 12 months to complete.


5.1.2 CATEGORY B

If categorized as a Category B project, there are less detailed documentation requirements due to the lesser potential for significant environmental and social impact. EBRD typically requires the development and disclosure of:

• A Project Summary Document; • A Project Fact Sheet or Non-Technical Summary (NTS);

For Category B projects, EBRD also typically reviews, but does not require disclosure of:

• An Environmental and Social Action Plan (ESAP); • A Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP); • An Environmental and Social Due Diligence (ESDD) document

that demonstrates compliance with PR1

Disclosure of these required documents generally allows for a 30 day public consultation period, after which the documents are finalized, published, and financing may be secured. In general, the timeframe for completing the environmental and social review process for a Category B project typically takes 3 to 6 months to complete.

5.2 KAZAKHSTAN REQUIREMENTS

Specific requirements for EIA procedures for all categories of economic activity are established by the document “Instruction on Environmental Impact Assessment at the Development of Prior Planned, Planned, Prior Project, and Project Documentation”. This guide contains:

• A list of activities which require implementation of the EIA procedure in full;

• A list of activities for which the full EIA procedure is proposed to the State Environmental Expertize (SEE) on the basis of preliminary expertise or by applying a set of criteria determined in normative documents; and

• A list of activities with insignificant environmental impact, for which only the preparation of an "Environmental impact statement" is sufficient for submission to the SEE.

Projects in Kazakhstan are classified by the Sanitary and Epidemiological Services (SES) of MOH according to five danger levels with one being the highest as defined by norms and standards in relation to human health and safety. The sensitivities of projects are measured by the SES Danger/Sanitary Categories. The categories are:


• Danger/Sanitary Categories 1 & 2 projects have levels of severity/danger that trigger a full EIA.

• Danger/Sanitary Category 3 projects are considered to have lower levels of severity/danger and as such a lesser assessment is undertaken, although still referred to as an Environmental Assessment.

• Danger/Sanitary Category 4 & 5 projects are considered to present considerably lower risks of severity/danger and generally do not warrant an assessment beyond the initial screening.

The SES Danger/Sanitary Categories relate to four categories of RoK EIA (Оценка воздействия на окружающую среду - OVOS). The EIA/OVOS Categories are:

• Category I - Sanitary Class/Danger Categories 1 and 2 plus investigations and extractions of minerals, except for common minerals. Risks are high and approval by MOEP is required. A Category I EIA/OVOS is categorically required obligatory for large scale including road construction project with four lanes or more.

• Category II - Sanitary Class/Danger Category 3 plus extractions of ubiquitous minerals, forestry activities and special uses of water. Risks are ranked as Medium High and approval is required from TEPO(s).

• Category III - Sanitary Class/Danger Category 4 Risks are ranked as Low and approval is required from TEPO(s).

• Category IV - Sanitary Class/Danger Category 5 plus projects involving animals, except recreational fishing and hunting. Risks are ranked as Low and approval is required from local administrations.

SEE reviews are conducted at end of each stage in the process and before proceeding to the next stage. Reviews are conducted first at the Oblast level and then by MEWR and other agencies as appropriate to the nature of the Project and the level of EIA Categorization. Under Kazakhstan regulations, the EIA process has three stages:

• Preliminary EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment - Pre-OVOS)

• Preparation of the EIA (OVOS). EIAs are obligatory for large scale projects.

• Preparation of an "Environmental Protection Section". The Environmental Protection Section is prepared in the detailed design stage in the event that mitigation measures defined in the EIA (OVOS) are required.


At each stage of the EIA process, the developer is required to prepare an "Environmental Impact Statement", which is a compulsory annex to each EIA document. The "Environmental Impact Statement" must be presented in the package of documents for submission to the SEE for consideration. Reviews are conducted at the end of each stage, first at the Oblast level and the by MEWR and other agencies as appropriate for the project and EIA Category.

Public hearings or public consultations are required at all stages of EIA. The detailed requirements for public participation are reflected in the Environmental Code, Articles 57 and 60-67 and the “Rules of access to environmental information relate dot EIA procedure and decision-making process on intended economic and other activity”. Minutes from these hearings are filed as part of the EIA documentation.

The process provides for a preliminary review period of two weeks and a final review period of up to 90 days after which the EIA authors are required to defend the EIA at a consultation session with all stakeholders in attendance (usually not the general public). Once complete, the EIA is revised; a final document is prepared; and a formal OVOS certificate is issued to the Proponent, but usually only after another 30-day waiting period, allowing for any additional comments. This certificate allows the project to proceed with other approvals that may be required. Based on this information, it may take up to a year to complete the EIA process in Kazakhstan.

Based on additional guidance provided in the RoK EIA regulations, it is likely that wind projects (and in fact, all RES projects) would be considered Category II and would require Category II EIA/OVOS documentation. However, the siting of wind facilities within or near sensitive/protected areas may result in these being classified as Category I projects. This determination is made by MoE at the preliminary EIA stage.

The OVOS process was evaluated against the EBRD Environmental and Performance Standards to identify gaps areas that may be not be satisfied by the OVOS process. This gap analysis is provided in Appendix A.

5.3 KAZREFF APPRAISAL PROCESS

All projects considered for financing through KazREFF will under a detailed appraisal process in order to:

• Determine each project’s ability to meet EBRD environmental and social performance requirements;

• Determine each project’s ability to meet EBRD RoK EIA regulations

• Ensure that projects are technically feasible (part of the technical due diligence)


• Identify significant issues and constraints that may negatively impact KazREFF’s ability to finance each project from an environmental and social perspective

• Provide simplified guidance and resources to project proponents (and their environmental consultants) in order to more easily comply with EBRD and Kazakh requirements

The appraisal process will be developed and implemented by the Project Implementation Unit.

5.3.1 INITIAL SCREENING

The appraisal process includes an initial screening of the project proposal against the criteria presented in this RPER, the SER report, and consideration of key environmental and social issues. This initial screening is conducted after the project proponent completes the Environmental and Social Issues Checklist – Wind provided in Appendix B. This checklist includes identification of key environmental and social issues related to wind (and cumulative impacts) and is reviewed by KazREFF’s environmental and social review team. Based on the review of the checklist, the project’s EBRD category will be determined and specific documentation requirements will be communicated to the project proponent.

Once the EBRD requirements have been identified, KazREFF environmental and social review team will provide support to project proponents to comply with the Kazakh EIA regulations. In general, information gathered through the initial screening process can be useful in developing the preliminary EIS documentation required for the initial stage of the Kazakhstan EIA.

5.3.2 DOCUMENTATION REVIEW AND APPROVAL/FEEDBACK

Based on the initial screening and categorisation, the project proponent will then be expected to complete the preparation of required documentation.

Templates for the typical documents expected to support wind projects (under Category B) are provided in Appendix C and include templates for the NTS (Appendix C.1), the SEP (Appendix C.2), and the ESAP (Appendix C.3). If a project is determined to be a Category A project, an ESIA would be required. Due to the very specialized nature of an ESIA, an ESIA template has not been provided. However, information in the SER report will be extremely useful to identify information necessary for the preparation of these documents. The information in the SER identifying the environmental baseline, the anticipated effects, and mitigation strategies should also be very useful to inform the Kazakh EIA.

All projects will be expected to comply with EBRD PR1 through 10. Important information for assessing the significant environmental and social


effects and avoidance, minimization, and/or mitigation of those effects is provided in the SER.

The required documents will be submitted to, and reviewed by, KazREFF environmental and social review team. The KazREFF environmental and social review team will work with the developer to ensure submitted information is sufficient to demonstrate compliance with EBRD’s PRs.

In addition, KazREFF environmental and social review team will review the progress of the Kazakh EIA and can, if requested, provide technical input and guidance on the process and content. KazREFF environmental and social review team will request updates from the project proponent on the progress of the project through the Kazakh EIA stages until final approval is received.

Once the required environmental and social documentation for KazREFF review has been found to be in compliance with the EBRD and the final Kazakh EIA is approved, KazREFF environmental and social review team will reflect that in the Project Screening Report.


6.0 APPENDICES

A – Gaps between EBRD PR for ESIA and Kazakhstan EIA Requirements

B – Environmental and Social Issues Checklist - Wind

C – Environmental and Social Templates

C.1 – Non-Technical Summary (NTS)

C.2 – Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP)

C.3 – Environmental and Social Action Plan (ESAP) – Wind


Kazakhstan Renewable Energy Financing Facility (KazREFF) - Strategic Environmental Review Appendix A – Gaps between EBRD PR for ESIA and Kazakhstan EIA requirements


Appendix A: Gaps between EBRD PR for ESIA and Kazakhstan EIA requirements

EBRD Performance Requirement/Issue

Issue Related Kazakhstan OVOS Requirement

Gap

PR 1: Environmental and Social Appraisal and Management

All EBRD-financed projects undergo environmental and social appraisal

The EIA is obligatory for all sectors of economic and other activities that may directly or indirectly impact the environment and public health. The EIA process is performed on the strength of commitment, integration (magnitude), alternative, adequacy, preservation, compatibility, flexibility, and public participation.

None

Categorization and EIA magnitude The EBRD categorizes proposed projects as “A”, “B”, and “C”. A project is classified as Category A when it could result in potentially significant and diverse adverse future environmental and/or social impacts and issues which, at the time of categorization, cannot readily be identified or assessed and which require a formalized and participatory assessment process carried out by independent third party specialists in accordance with the PRs (Appendix 1 to the EBRD ESP). A proposed project is classified as Category B when the potential adverse environmental and / or social impacts that it may give rise to are

Economic activities subjected to the EIA procedure are categorized as I, II, III, and IV, of which categories I and II cause major impacts on the environment. According to the requirements, there is the list of projects (economic activities) for which the EIA is recommended to be performed in full (for example, oil industry and crude oil refineries, thermal power stations, chemical installations, pipelines for transport of gas, oil or chemicals, etc.) and the list of projects (economic activities) for which the requirements to carry out a comprehensive assessment are imposed by State review authorities on the basis of a preliminary review or by applying

None




Gap

typically site-specific, and/or readily identified and addressed through mitigation measures. These impacts could be from past, current or future activities. Due diligence requirements may vary depending on the project and will be agreed with the EBRD on a case-by-case basis, in accordance with PR 1. A proposed project is classified as Category C when it is likely to result in minimal or no adverse environmental or social impacts and therefore requires no further environmental and social appraisal beyond categorization. Based on the KazREFF SER, it is anticipated that most funded projects will fall within Categories B or C.

thresholds defined by regulations (agriculture, forestry, mining industry, power industry, wind farms, etc.).

EIA stages The EIA process comprises the following stages: 1) preliminary EIA (stage 1); 2) EIA that is performed for a complete and comprehensive analysis of potential effects of the project or further economic and other activities, substantiation of alternatives, and development of an environmental management plan (programme) (stage 2); 3) “Environmental Protection” section that constitutes part of the design documentation and contains engineering solutions aimed at prevention of adverse

None




Gap

impacts on the environment (stage 3). The EIA format, completeness of studies, scope of used documents, levels and degree of detail of environmental scientific & design surveys depend on the design stage as well as on magnitude and intensity of impacts caused by projected economic and other activities on human health and environment. EIA is an integral part of pre-design and design documents.

Preliminary environmental and social assessment (Pre EIA) Through appraisal activities, the client will consider in an integrated manner the potential environmental and social issues and impacts associated with the proposed project. The appraisal process will be based on recent information, including an accurate description and delineation of the client’s business or the project, and social and environmental baseline data at an appropriate level of detail. The appraisal should also identify applicable laws and regulations of the jurisdictions in which the project operates that pertain to environmental and social matters, including those laws implementing host country obligations under international law (for example, commitments

Through Pre-EIA activities, the potential trends of changes in environmental and socioeconomic components as well as impacts on both the society and environment are identified. No need in computations of the pollution level for certain environmental components (air, soils, water, subsoil resources). Pre-EIA documents are disclosed for public by a project initiator. Pre-design appraisal documents (business-plans, feasibility studies) and main pre-design documents such as “Investment substantiation” and Pre-EIA documents are

None




Gap

related to land use planning and protected area management).

submitted to the State Environmental Review (SER). A positive Conclusion issued by the SER in favour of the project initiator, serves as a guide for making decisions to initiate designing of specific facilities and structures in accordance with the most rational option selected in the course of Pre-EIA development.

Environmental and social appraisal (EIA) mechanism

Environmental and social impacts and issues will be appraised in the context of the project’s area of influence. Environmental and social issues and impacts will also be analysed for the relevant stages of the project cycle. These may include preconstruction, construction, operations, and decommissioning or closure and reinstatement. Where relevant, the appraisal will also consider the role and capacity of third parties, such as local and national governments, contractors and suppliers, to the extent that they may influence the project, recognizing that the client’s ability to address these risks and impacts will depend on its control and influence over the third party actions. The appraisal will also consider potential trans-boundary and global issues, such as impacts from effluents and emissions, increased use or contamination of international waterways, greenhouse gas emissions, climate change mitigation and adaptation issues, and impacts on endangered species and habitats.

The EIA process comprises an assessment of impacts on:

• atmospheric air • water resources; • subsoil resources; • industrial and domestic waste; • physical impacts; • lands and soils; • flora; • fauna; • socioeconomic environment; • environmental risks from planned

activities in the region A project initiator discloses EIA documents for the public.

None




Gap

PR 2: Labour and Working Conditions

At a minimum, the client’s human resources policies, procedures and standards shall be designed to: establish and maintain a sound worker-management relationship; promote the fair treatment, non-discrimination and equal opportunity of workers; promote compliance with any collective agreements to which the client is a party, national labour and employment laws, and the fundamental principles and key regulatory standards embodied in the ILO conventions that are central to this relationship; protect and promote the health of workers, especially by promoting safe and healthy working conditions.

Labor relationship in the Republic of Kazakhstan is regulated by the Labor Code and it does not constitute part of the EIA process. Issues related to labor and working conditions and safety are considered in the “Environmental risk assessment in connection with planned activities in the region” section.

Labor relationship issues are not reflected in typical Kazakh EIA documents. This would be a gap if not addressed in a project-specific ESMP.

PR 3: Pollution Prevention and Abatement

The client will avoid the release of pollutants or, when avoidance is not feasible, minimize or control their release. This applies to the release of pollutants due to routine, non-routine or accidental circumstances with the potential for local, regional, or trans-boundary impacts. In addition, the client should examine and incorporate in its operations energy efficiency measures and measures to conserve water and other resources, consistent with the principles of cleaner production. The client will avoid or minimize the generation of hazardous and non-hazardous waste materials and reduce its harmfulness as far as practicable.

Measures aimed at prevention and abatement of environmental pollution are specified in EIA documents (“Atmospheric Air”, “Water Resources”, and “Waste” sections). These measures provides for introduction of low-waste and waste-free technologies and special measures on i) prevention (abatement) of air emissions; ii) adverse impact mitigation; iii) air quality monitoring; iv) amounts and chemical composition of wastewater discharges; v) substantiation of the introduction of water circulating systems and wastewater reuse systems, recycling of sludge from wastewater treatment facilities; vi)

None




Gap

groundwater protection against pollution and depletion; and vii) recommendations related to recycling, treatment and disposal of all types of waste and waste recycling/waste disposal technologies.

PR 4: Community Health & Safety and Security

Requirements relating to: infrastructure and equipment safety; hazardous materials safety; community exposure to disease; emergency preparedness and response; and security personnel requirements. These requirements are focused on avoidance or prevention of risks and impacts rather than their minimization and mitigation.

EIA documents comprise a section titled “Assessment of environmental risks for the environment and community health in connection with planned economic activities”. This section contains i) recommendations on prevention of and response to emergencies; ii) consideration of emergency probability; sources and kinds of emergencies and frequency of their occurrence as well as forecasts of their impacts on the environment and community.

None

PR 5: Land Acquisition, Involuntary Resettlement and Economic Displacement

The following requirements are considered in the course of project design: carrying out of consultations; grievance mechanism; resettlement planning and implementation; Resettlement Action Plan; livelihood restoration framework; compensation and benefits for displaced persons; displacement; physical displacement; economic displacement; and loss of public amenities.

Issues related to land acquisition and involuntary resettlement are regulated by the Land Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan. But the Pre-EIA documents to be submitted to the SER for reviewing should contain a copy of document for the right of land use in the subject territory.

Kazakhstan EIA regulations do not contain requirements related to land acquisition, involuntary resettlement and economic displacement.

PR 6: Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Resource Management

Through the environmental and social appraisal process, the client will identify and characterize the potential impacts on biodiversity likely to be caused by the project. The extent of due diligence should be sufficient to fully characterize the risks

The EIA process also includes an assessment of impacts on vegetation in the project influence area (the presence of medicinal herbs; rare, endemic and Red Data Book-listed plat species), green space

None




Gap

and impacts, consistent with a precautionary approach and reflecting the concerns of relevant stakeholders. The client will seek to avoid adverse impacts on biodiversity.

condition; forecasted changes of the vegetation cover in the project implementation area and impacts of these changes on life and health of local communities; recommendations for conservation of vegetation communities, improvement of their condition, flora conservation and revegetation; recommendation for vegetation monitoring, etc. Furthermore, the EIA documents contain a baseline assessment of aquatic and terrestrial fauna (the presence of rare, endangered and Red Data Book-listed fauna species); measure to conserve and reproduce the integrity of natural communities and species diversity of aquatic and terrestrial fauna; food potential improvement; a wildlife monitoring programme. In addition, the presence of natural territories and landmarks under special protection in the territory of potential construction operations is considered.

PR 7: Indigenous Peoples

In projects where Indigenous Peoples are likely to be affected, the client is required to carry out an assessment of impacts on Indigenous Peoples. Depending upon the outcome of this, the client is expected to first avoid adverse effects and where this is not feasible, to prepare and Indigenous

The Kazakhstan legislation does not specify requirements related to Indigenous Peoples

The Kazakhstan EIA procedure does not consider issues related to Indigenous People. However, this is not typically an issue in




Gap

Peoples’ Development Plan so as to minimize and/or mitigate any potential adverse impacts. The client is also expected to implement a specific grievance mechanism and determine appropriate modalities for compensation and benefit-sharing.

Kazakhstan, where there is no indigenous population.

PR 8: Cultural Heritage

At an early stage of the environmental and social appraisal, the client should identify if any cultural heritage is likely to be adversely affected by the project, and assess the likelihood of any chance finds. The client will ensure that provisions for managing chance finds, defined as physical cultural heritage encountered unexpectedly during project implementation, are in place. Such provisions shall include notification of relevant competent bodies of found objects or sites; alerting project personnel to the possibility of chance finds being discovered; and fencing-off the area of finds to avoid any further disturbance or destruction.

EIA documents contain a section devoted to territories, landmarks and sites under special protection. Cultural heritage is regulated by the RK Law “On Protection and Use of Historical and Cultural Heritage Sites and Objects” dated July 2, 1992. Companies, institutions, organizations, educational institutions, public organizations and individuals will support an authorized relevant body in implementation of measures aimed at protection, preservation and use of historical and cultural heritage sites.

None

PR 9: Financial Intermediaries (FI)

Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable

PR 10: Information Disclosure and Stakeholder Engagement

“Information Disclosure and Stakeholder Engagement” specifies requirements relating to stakeholder identification, development of a Stakeholder Engagement Plan, information disclosure, meaningful consultations, and grievance mechanism.

Public opinion is given proper weight in the process of EIA development. Public opinion consideration format depends on the significance of planned economic activities and the extent of project influence on the environment and community health; much

Kazakhstan requirements do not specify a detailed procedure for stakeholders identification and engagement or the grievance mechanism




Gap

depends on stakeholders. The procedure and dates of public consultations is regulated by environmental supervisory authorities. Public opinion is mainly considered through public consultations. The results of public consultations are recorded in the form of a report where all key issues and disagreements between stakeholders and a client are recorded. Stakeholders’ comments and proposals are considered in design documents. Written proposals and comments from stakeholders (as an independent form of public opinion consideration) are collected for individual less significant projects of economic activities. At subsequent stages of project design, the procedure of public opinion consideration can be carried out through collection of written proposals and comments in respect of EIA findings for a certain industrial operation.

procedure.


Kazakhstan Renewable Energy Financing Facility (KazREFF) - Strategic Environmental Review Appendix B – Environmental and Social Issues Checklist - Wind


Please read this before completing the questionnaire:

1. This questionnaire is the first stage in the Bank’s environmental and social due diligence process. The more comprehensive the answers given, the less need will there be for the Bank to request further information. Please, therefore, try to answer the questions as fully and openly as possible.

2. The questionnaire makes reference to both “the Project”, the business activity for which EBRD funding is sought, and “the Company”, which is the corporate entity that is ultimately responsible for the Project. The Project may affect the whole Company or may only relate to one element within the Company. The Bank needs to understand both issues related to the Project being financed by the Bank and the impacts and issues associated with the Company as a whole.

3. There are a number of questions where further information is requested if a positive response is given. Additional information can be provided either in the questionnaire’s boxes or in separate documents.

PROJECT NAME:

PROJECT LOCATION: Map Provided? Yes / No

Company Name:

Company Address:

Country:

Town/Location:

Business Sector/Activities:

Person completing questionnaire:

Name:

Title: Date:

Telephone:

Mobile:

E-mail:

Company authorised representative (e.g. Environmental Manager): I certify that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, the information contained in this questionnaire accurately represents current or future operations. Signature:

Title: Date:


ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL DUE DILIGENCE QUESTIONNAIRE

COMPANY PROFILE

A) Ownership: • Private ownership %: _____________________ • Public ownership %: ______________________

B) Year of foundation: __________________________ C) Sector of operation and main products: __________________________________________________________________________________ D) Describe the main activities of the Company and its holdings including any on-shore wind or other renewable energy projects (include a

description of the corporate structures and controls that are used to manage/oversee individual projects, including this one):

PROJECT DESCRIPTION A) Technical information:

Start of construction (planned date) Start of operation (planned date) Installed capacity (MW) Annual net generation (MWh) Type of turbines / towers (height, turbine diameter, maximum and minimum rotation speeds, etc) Are data on wind resource available (yes/no) Wind resource measuring period (start date / end date) Mean wind power density at 80 metres (W/m2) Distance to interconnection grid (km): Voltage level of interconnection grid (kV): Voltage level of overhead line to interconnection point (kV): Is operation constrained by seasonal migratory bird routes? (yes/no)

B) Status of project development:

yes no



The project is still in its conceptual phase (we have only a project idea)? Technical design has started? Technical design is completed? Quotations / proposals from equipment suppliers have been received?

C) Summary of information on Environmental Impact Assessment:

Is Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) required? (yes/no) Has EIA been completed? (yes/no) If EIA is available, has it observed any adverse environmental impacts? If yes, describe them and any associated mitigation measures in Section 1b.

If EIA is required but not available, when will it be completed? D) Siting, design and key environmental and social considerations:

1. Describe the Project and provide a map showing its components, including the turbine infrastructure, generating units and control-centre (and approximate layout), roads, transmission lines, grid connections and other required facilities (such as sub-stations).

2. How were environmental and social issues incorporated into the siting and design optimisation process (see also questions under PR1 and PR6 below)? 2.1 What studies have been completed relating to potential impacts on avian populations and migratory passage? 2.2 What measures have been incorporated into the design and operation-plans to minimise risks to birds?

3. Wind resource issues – please describe: 3.1 Understanding of the operational regime for each facility and for operations in tandem; 3.2 Wind resource measurements and other meteorological data and monitoring information;

4. How have climate-change related variables been accommodated?

PR1 - Environmental and Social Appraisal & Management

Environmental and Social Appraisal

1.a Has the Company made an assessment of the environmental and social impacts of its operations?

Yes: No:

If yes, please provide a summary of that assessment:



1.b Has an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) been completed for this Project?

Yes: No:

If yes, please summarise the conclusions of the ESIA, including required/recommended mitigation, and send a copy/summary:

1.c Have relevant discussions been held with environmental regulators on the ESIA for the Project?

Yes: No:

If yes, please summarise:

1.d Is there an Environmental and Social Action Plan (ESAP) for the Project construction, operation and decommissioning?

Yes: No:


1.e Have any site investigations been performed to check the suitability of the site and characterise environmental and social baseline conditions, such as soil, water quality and groundwater testing, slope stability, survey for flora and fauna including bat, bird and water species, or the situation of nearby communities?

Yes: No:

If yes, please provide a list of the studies:

1.f What are the relevant Company’s Corporate Social Responsibility Standards?

1.g What processes are in place to manage environmental issues (such as the presence of sensitive species)?

1.h Will / does the Project involve significant excavations, demolitions, movement of earth, flooding or other changes in the physical environment?

Yes: No:

If yes, please provide details:

1.i What soil erosion/sedimentation mitigation/control procedures will be in place for the construction and operational phases of the Project?

Environmental Management

1.j Who is responsible for environmental management at Name/title:



the Company? Phone/mobile:

Email:

Who is responsible for social management / community relations at the Company?

Name/title:

Phone/mobile:

Email:

Who is, or will be, responsible for environmental management for the Project? Will that person be on-site during construction and operation?

Name/title:

Phone/mobile:

Email:

Who is, or will be, responsible for social management / community relations for the Project? Will that person be on-site during construction and operation?

Name/title:

Phone/mobile:

Email:

1.k Does the Company have an Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS)?

Yes: No:

If yes, is the ESMS compliant with any internationally recognised systems such as ISO 14,001, OHSAS 18,001, SA 8000 or EMAS?

Yes: No:

1.l Does the Company periodically prepare a summary report on environmental performance (or sustainability) for shareholders, stakeholders, or others? How often?

Yes: No:

If yes, please provide a copy of the most recent report(s)

1.m Does the Company routinely provide environmental training for Company personnel?

Yes: No:

If yes, please describe the training provided:

Will the Company train workers for the Project? For construction and/or operation?

Yes: No:

If yes, which workers will be trained? What kind of training?

Contractor management

1.n Will the Company use contractors during the Yes No



construction and/or operational phases of the Project? If yes, please provide details:

1.o Are prospective contractors required to submit environmental, health and safety, and/or labour information with bid documents (that is, do solicitations for proposals require such information)?

Yes No

1.p Is a contractor’s past EHS performance considered during evaluation of bids?

Yes No

If yes, please describe how (including whether it is used as a pass/fail factor or as part of the overall score:

1.q Does the Company monitor performance of its contractors regarding environmental, health and safety, and labour/human resources?

Yes: No:

If yes, how often? How does the Company deal with poor performance?

1.r How will the contractors be managed to ensure they have processes in place to anticipate and respond to emerging risks and opportunities, associated with the Project?

PR 2 – Labour and Working Conditions

2.a Who is responsible for Human Resources (HR) management at the Company?

Name/title

Phone/mobile:

Email:

2.b Does the Company have written HR policies setting out its approach to managing its workforce?

Yes: No:

2.c Are all workers provided with written information about their terms and conditions of employment?

Yes: No:

2.d Has the Company ever been found in violation of any country’s labour and/or social security laws?

Yes: No:

If yes, please describe the circumstances

Have these resulted in any penalties, fines, major recommendations or corrective action plans?

Yes: No:

If yes, please describe:



2.e Are employees free to form, or join, a workers’ organisation (e.g. a trade union) of their choosing?

Yes: No:

What percentage of the workforce belongs to such an organisation?

2.f Is the Company covered by a collective bargaining agreement?

Yes: No:

2.g How does the Company interact with workers’ organisations and provide information to them?

2.h Does the Company have a grievance mechanism which allows employees to raise workplace concerns?

Yes: No:


How many grievances were received from employees during the previous year?

Number:

Please summarise the issues raised in grievances and how the company has addressed them:

2.i Have there been any strikes or other collective disputes related to labour and working conditions at the Company in the past three years?

Yes: No:

If yes, please describe the nature of the dispute and how it was resolved:

Have there been any court cases related to labour issues?

Yes: No:

If yes, please summarise contested issues and outcome:

Have there been any other significant labour issues raised by the media or by non-governmental organisations?

Yes: No:


2.j Are there policies or terms and conditions covering employment of young persons under age 18?

Yes: No:

If yes, please describe

What is the minimum legal working age?

How does the Company verify the age of employees?

Does the Company apply any restrictions to the tasks Yes: No:



that can be done by younger workers? If yes, please describe:

2.k Are employees free to leave the premises when they are not required to work or with appropriate due cause?

Yes: No:

Does the Company retain any identity documentation from the employees?

Yes: No:

If yes, please explain which documents and why:

Are employees free to resign from their jobs? Yes: No:

If yes, please describe the notice and other procedural requirements?

2.l Does the Company have a policy for setting wages? Yes: No:

How do the Company’s wage levels compare to comparable employers in your sector?

2.m Does the Company anticipate any redundancies or retrenchment in the next three years?

Yes: No:

If yes, please describe and explain the reason(s):

2.n Does the Company have policies or terms and conditions covering non-discrimination and equal opportunities in employment?

Yes: No:


2.o Are any criteria other than compliance with job requirements (e.g., gender, ethnicity, nationality, religion, political or trade union affiliation) applied for recruitment / promotion / access to training / benefits?

Yes: No:

If yes, please specify those criteria:

2.p How many workers does the Company employ? Please provide numbers for men and women separately.

How many are...: Direct: Seasonal:

Full-time: Part-time:

How many sub-contractors does the Company employ and what is the role of these sub-contractors?

2.q Will there be employment opportunities for local Yes: No:



stakeholders? If yes, please describe these opportunities:

How many non-skilled workers will be employed for the Project during construction and then operation?

Construction: Operation:

How many non-skilled workers are expected to be recruited from nearby areas? From the country?

Near-by areas: Within the Country:

What proportion of managers and skilled workers are expected to be recruited from nearby areas? From the country?


Occupational Health and Safety

2.r Who is responsible for health & safety management at the Company and/or Project?

Name/title:

Phone/mobile:

Email:

Is there an emergency response plan for dealing with natural disasters, such as earthquakes? (This is also relevant to PR-4 Community Health, Safety and Security)

Yes:

No:

If yes, please describe and provide a copy:

Is there sufficient information to confirm that construction will not result in land slips or other environmentally damaging incidents? (This is also relevant to PR-4 Community Health, Safety and Security)

Yes:

No:


2.s Does the Company have a Health & Safety Management System?

Yes: No:

Is the system compliant with an international health & safety standard such as OHSAS18001?

Yes: No:

2.t Is the Company compliant with national requirements for health & safety?

Yes: No:

2.u Is there a current Health & Safety Action Plan for the Yes: No:



Company? If yes, please provide a copy of the latest update.

Do project-specific health and safety plans (typically) go beyond the requirements of host countries?

Yes: No:

If yes, please summarise (typical) differences:

2.v Does the Company keep any statistics on • Fatalities; • Lost time accidents; • Lost workdays resulting from incidents; and/or • Total staff hours worked?

Yes: No:

If yes, please provide health and safety statistics for the last three years of operations.

2.w Have any Company operations been cited for violations of national or other health and safety standards and procedures in the last 3 years?

Yes: No:

If yes, please summarise the circumstances and the outcome

2.x Is there (or will there be) a Health and Safety Plan for this Project?

Yes: No:

If yes, please describe what it covers (or will cover)?

Will workers be required to undergo health and safety training?

Yes: No:

If yes, please indicate how often and what type(s) of training

2.y How does the Company ensure that workers employed by its contractors, sub-contractors or labour agents are protected by the same labour and health and safety standards as those that apply to the Company’s own employees?

PR 3 – Pollution Prevention and Abatement

Environmental Compliance

3.a In the last 3 years, has the Company been cited for any violations of environmental permits or regulations?

Yes: No:

If yes, please describe circumstances and outcomes:

3.b Has the Company applied for, and/or received, the required environmental permits and licences to construct the Project? To operate?

Yes: No:

Please list required permits and licenses, and their status (issued, applied for, etc.)




3.c Which agencies and authorities will be primarily responsible for overseeing environmental performance of the Project?

Air Emissions

3.d Does the Company produce air emissions? Yes: No:

If yes, please describe the main sources, types and quantities of air emissions produced by the company:

3.e Please describe any measures taken to reduce emissions and prevent air pollution.

3.f Please provide monitoring data for total air emissions.

Water Use

3.g What will be the main sources of water for the Project during construction and operation?

How much water will the Company use at each phase of the Project?

Have permits been issued? Yes: No:

Will any water require treatment prior to use? Yes: No:

If yes, please describe use, amount to be treated and treatment method:

Wastewater Discharges

3.h What are the sources, types and quantities of effluent discharges that will produced by the Company during the Project?

3.i How much wastewater will be generated during construction and operation?


How will wastewater be managed and discharged?



Is any wastewater treatment required prior to discharge?

Yes: No:


Solid Waste Management

3.j What are the types and quantities of solid wastes produced by the Company?

How are these wastes disposed of?

3.k Are any hazardous wastes produced and how are these stored and disposed of?

Yes: No:


3.l Does the Company implement any measures to reduce / reuse / recycle any solid wastes at its facilities?

Yes: No:


Are contractors required to implement these measures?

Yes: No:

Hazardous Material Management

3.m What hazardous materials will used by the Company in the Project (such as flammable, explosive, reactive, radioactive and toxic substances) and in what quantities?

What measures and procedures are in place for the handling and storage of such materials?

3.n Has the Company suffered any environmental incidents or accidents (such as spills, tank ruptures, explosions, etc.) during the previous three years at any of its facilities?

Yes: No:


3.o Does the Company prepare Environmental Incident Reports, or similar, when an environmental accident or incident occurs?

Yes: No:

If yes, please describe the reporting system and indicate the relevant authorities you report to:



3.p Will fuel or other hazardous materials be stored and/or used for this Project?

Yes No

If yes, what materials will be used/stored?

How much of each?

How will they be used/stored?

PR 4 - Community Health, Safety & Security

4.a How far are the nearest villages/towns/cities from the Project site?

Please describe and include a map:

How far from the Project site are the nearest occupied houses and/or workplaces?

4.b Will the Company’s activities pose any material risks to, or have any significant impacts on, the health and safety of local communities or people?

Yes: No:


Has a public health assessment been undertaken? Yes: No:


4.c Has the Company developed measures to prevent and/or mitigate any such impacts?

Yes: No:


4.d Has the Company consulted with locally affected community(ies) and stakeholders to discuss the Project and measures to be taken to reduce impacts, in order to understand any concerns and address issues associated with potential public health effects?

Yes: No:


How have impacts of the project on affected communities (if any) been identified and addressed?

4.e Will there be security guards to control entry to the Project site during construction and/or operation?

Yes: No:

If yes, will they be armed? How will they be trained?



Will security be outsourced to a separate company? Yes: No:

If yes, what criteria did the Company use to select the security contractor?

PR 5 - Land Acquisition, Involuntary Resettlement and Economic Displacement

5.a Does the Company have a person in charge of land acquisition and/or expropriation?

Yes: No:

Name:

Title:

Phone/mobile:

Email:

5.b Have any structures or land already been acquired by the Company in connection to the Project?

Yes: No:

If yes, please provide details.

5.c How much land will need to be permanently acquired by the Company for the Project (including power-generating infrastructure, control centre, roads, transmission lines and other related facilities)?

How much land will have to be temporarily occupied (e.g. for storage, access to construction sites, accommodation of workers)?

5.d Has the Company already identified owners and users of affected land and structures (for example, from Land Books, Cadastre or through a field survey)?

Yes: No:


Have any negotiations with land/structure owners/users or any expropriation procedure been initiated (including request for public interest)?

Yes: No:


What is the land currently being used for?

Will land that is not needed by the Company continue to be used by others (such as land between buildings/generating infrastructure)?

Yes: No:



5.e Will any people need to be relocated to new houses, new farm land and/or lose access to other valuable assets?

Yes: No:


5.f Will the Company acquire land and/or pay for temporarily using it?

Yes: No:

If yes, how much land will be acquired and/or require payments for use?

How will the amount to be paid for purchase or usage be determined?

How will the Company proceed if agreement cannot be reached with owner(s)?

Is there a written land acquisition plan for the Project? Yes: No:


5.g Will any businesses / economic activities, both formal and informal, in the area be affected by construction activities (e.g. tourism activities)?

Yes: No:


Does the Company have plans to compensate affected people for loss of business or economic activity?

Yes: No:


5.h Is there any resettlement required for this project? Yes No


If so, is there a Resettlement Action Plan? Yes No


PR 6 – Biodiversity Conservation & Sustainable Management of Living Resources

6.a How far is the Project from the nearest protected or designated areas, or areas important for local biodiversity, including Natura 2000 sites, national parks, Ramsar Sites (wetlands), etc.?

Please provide a list with distances and provide a map showing the Project and nearest protected/important areas.

6.b Does the site provide habitat for any protected or Yes: No:



sensitive species of plants or animals? If yes, please provide details:

6.c What habitat mapping or species surveys have been completed?

6.d Which habitat areas/species would be impacted by ancillary works, transmission lines, construction access roads, other construction activities etc?

6.e Is there any other baseline environmental data on wildlife of the area not already covered above or in the Project Description section?

Yes: No:

If yes, please provide further details:

6.f Is there any further information on potential impacts to species or habitats that have not been covered above or in the Project Description section?

Yes: No:


PR 7 – Indigenous Peoples

Are there any indigenous peoples likely to be impacted by the project? Yes: No:


PR 8 – Cultural Heritage

8.a Is the Project located in or near a cultural heritage site recognised by the country in which the project is located, or where artefacts have been found in the past (including UNESCO World Heritage Sites and those on the tentative list, Registered cultural heritage sites, zones and settlements)?

Yes: No:


8.b Is the Project located on or near to a place of worship, cemetery or other place of importance and value to a community?

Yes: No:


8.c Has the Company consulted with the national, regional, and/or local agency(ies) responsible for protecting cultural resources?

Yes: No:




8.d Has the risk to cultural heritage sites and areas of archaeological interest been assessed and managed?

Yes: No:


PR 9 – Financial Intermediaries

Not relevant for KazREFF

PR 10 – Information Disclosure & Stakeholder Engagement

10.a Who will be affected by the Project, including the workforce and local communities? How and to what extent?

10.b Does the Company have a person in charge of communications with local communities?

Yes: No:

Name:

Title:

Phone/mobile:

Email:

10.c Has the Company established a mechanism through which members of the public can raise concerns or grievances concerning the Company’s environmental and social practices?

Yes: No:


10.d Has the Company established a regular means for communicating with affected community(ies)/people (e.g. newsletter, email, helpline, open day)?

Yes: No:


10.e Is the Company aware of any issues, concerns or positive feedback brought to the Company’s attention by members of the community, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), or the media?

Yes: No:


10.f Has the company undertaken any consultations with stakeholders – including national, regional, and local authorities, NGOs, businesses, citizens?

Yes: No:


10.g Does the Company have plans to implement Yes: No:



community development activities (e.g. is there a corporate social responsibility plan)?


(end of questionnaire)


Kazakhstan Renewable Energy Financing Facility (KazREFF) - Strategic Environmental Review Appendix C – Environmental and Social Templates


DATE

Kazakhstan Renewable Energy Financing Facility (KazREFF) TEMPLATE - PROJECT NAME Non Technical Summary of Environmental and Social Considerations

P

CONTENTS


1 Introduction 71

2 Description of the Proposed Development 72

3 Environmental, Health, Safety and Social Review 72


7.0 Introduction

Add summary of company proposing development – i.e private / public owned, company structure and operations

Add summary of project proposals – i.e type of power plant, size and location

Add summary of environmental studies undertaken to date – i.e an ESIA?, specialist surveys?

(Company name XXX) has approached the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) for financing. The project is thus subject to EBRD’s 2008 Environmental and Social Policy and has been determined as a Category XXX project (add details of whether it is a category A or B project). EBRD has conducted an environmental and social due diligence assessment of the project and supported the development of applicable environmental and social documentation, namely a Stakeholder Engagement Plan, an Environmental and Social Action Plan, and this Non Technical Summary (also add reference to other relevant documents if appropriate eg an ESIA, specialist studies).

This document provides in a non-technical manner an overview of the proposed development plans. The document also provides a summary of potential environmental and social impacts and other environmental and social issues relevant to the proposed activities. Appropriate measures to mitigate key adverse environmental and social effects that may arise during project construction and operation are also provided.

This NTS document and other materials will be placed in the locations shown below on (add disclosure date XXX). During a 60 / 120 (delete as appropriate) -day period beginning on (add disclosure date XXX), anyone can provide comments and recommendations on the environmental, social and other aspects of the project. Comments can be made at public consultations to be held at the locations shown below, and may be submitted to the address below.

Environmental and social documents will be available for review during normal business hours at the following location:

XXXX (add details)

Meetings at which anyone can make comments will be held as follows:

XXXX (add details)

The dates and times of public meetings will be announced at least three weeks before the meeting(s), and advertised in local mass media.

For further information on this project, or to provide comments on the project or the environmental and social documentation, please contact:

Comments may be submitted to:

Name Contact information

Complete all contact details

Address:

Phone:

Email:


8.0 Description of the Proposed Development

Add project description –

• prospective annual electricity generation, • equipment to be installed, • permitting requirements, • Location, size, (including location map(s)

9.0 Environmental, Health, Safety and Social Review

Key Environmental and Social Elements

Several documents collectively make up the environmental and social documentation for the project. The Non Technical Summary is described above, while the other documents are described here.

Environmental and Social Action Plan (ESAP)

As part of the environmental and social due diligence evaluation, a wide review was conducted of corporate environmental, health, safety and social management arrangements. From the overall review, an Environmental and Social Action Plan (ESAP) has been developed which lists key actions to ensure areas for improvement can be implemented and include mitigation measures discussed above. This ESAP is being disclosed for public comment; key mitigation measures are described below.

Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP)

(Insert company name XXX) has prepared a Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) for the Project. The SEP will guide (insert company name XXX) in communicating with people, institutions and any other stakeholders who may be affected by or interested in the implementation of Project. (Insert company name XXX) has assigned a social liaison officer, who will be responsible for keeping open dialogue with stakeholders groups and local public. This SEP is being disclosed for public comment. At any time before and during construction and operation, any stakeholder will have a chance to raise any concerns, provide comments and feedback about the Project. All such comments and grievances from people will be accepted, processed and answered by (insert company name XXX) in a timely manner.

Key Features

Key environmental features and sensitive locations from a social perspective in relation to the site include:

XXX – add details

Potential Impacts and Mitigation Measures


The EBRD’s environmental and social diligence evaluation determined that the project could have negative impacts on environmental resources and on people if they are not controlled carefully. Therefore, the EBRD will require (insert company name XXX) to implement many actions (“mitigation measures”) to prevent, reduce, or mitigate impacts on people and the environment. A summary of key impacts and mitigation measures have been identified, and they are summarised in Appendix A.


Overview of Potential Impacts and Mitigation

Resource Potential Impact / Issue of Concern Mitigation

For example … Climate and Air Quality

Geology, Geohazards and Soils

Surface Water & Groundwater

Water Supply

Ecosystems and Flora & Fauna

Noise

Waste Management

Cultural Heritage

Tourism

Visual Landscape

Socio-economics

Traffic Management

Occupational Health & Safety

Public Health & Safety


Others…

Contents


Prepared for:

Kazakhstan Renewable Energy Financing Facility (KazREFF) TEMPLATE - PROJECT NAME DATE

Stakeholder Engagement Plan

CONTENTS


1 Introduction 78

1.1 Background 78

1.2 Description of the Proposed Development 78

1.3 Overview of XXX (add company name) 78

1.4 Objectives of the Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) 78

1.5 Structure of SEP 79

2 Regulatory Context 80

2.1 Kazakhstan requirements for stakeholder engagement/ public consultation 80

2.2 EBRD requirements for stakeholder engagement and public consultation 80

3 Summary of previous stakeholder engagement 82

3.1 EBRD previous stakeholder engagement and consultations in Kazakhstan 82

3.2 KazREFF SER Consultations 82

3.3 Public disclosure and consultations during project 83

3.4 Other consultations during the project 83

4 Stakeholder Identification and Communication Methods 84

5 Disclosure of Information and Stakeholder Engagement Programme 86

5.1 Disclosure of general information 86

5.2 Disclosure of information relevant to Project 86

5.3 Stakeholder engagement programme 86

6 Timetable 87

7 Public Grievance Mechanism 88

8 Roles and Responsibilities 89


10.0 Introduction

10.1 BACKGROUND Add summary of company proposing development – i.e private / public owned, company structure and operations



(Company name XXX) has approached the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) for financing. The project is thus subject to EBRD’s 2008 Environmental and Social Policy and has been determined as a Category XXX project (add details of whether it is a category A or B project). EBRD has conducted an environmental and social due diligence assessment of the project and supported the development of applicable environmental and social documentation, namely a Stakeholder Engagement Plan, an Environmental and Social Action Plan, and a Non Technical Summary of the environmental and social considerations (also add reference to other relevant documents if appropriate eg an ESIA, specialist studies).

To meet EBRD requirements for stakeholder engagement and public consultation and disclosure (EBRD Performance Requirement PR10), a stakeholder and public engagement process with development of a Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) will also be directly applied to this project. These details are laid out in this document, the SEP.

EBRD considers stakeholder engagement as an essential part of good business practices and corporate citizenship, and a way of improving the quality of projects. In particular, effective community engagement is central to the successful management of risks and impacts on communities affected by projects, as well as to achieving enhanced community benefits.

10.2 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT Add project description –


10.3 OVERVIEW OF XXX (ADD COMPANY NAME) Add summary of company proposing development – i.e private / public owned, company structure and operations

10.4 OBJECTIVES OF THE STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT PLAN (SEP) This SEP has been developed with the aim of explaining how company name XXX will communicate with people and institutions who may be affected by or interested in the Project, at various stages of project preparation and implementation. The plan includes a


grievance mechanism for stakeholders to raise any concerns related to the project for company name XXX attention.

10.5 STRUCTURE OF SEP The remainder of this SEP is organised as follows:

• Chapter 2 briefly describes applicable regulations and requirements for stakeholder engagement and public consultations.

• Chapter 3 summarises previous and on-going stakeholder engagement and public consultation activities.

• Chapter 4 identifies stakeholders and describes communication methods with them. • Chapter 5 describes stakeholder engagement program and disclosure of

information. • Chapter 6 describes roles and responsibilities for handling the consultation and

information disclosure process. • Chapter 7 describes a grievance mechanism by which feedback, comments,

concerns and complaints may be communicated to company name XXX and how these grievances and comments will be handled.


11.0 Regulatory Context

11.1 KAZAKHSTAN REQUIREMENTS FOR STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT/ PUBLIC CONSULTATION

Kazakhstan is a signatory for Aarhus Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters (UNECE)11. The convention is designed to improve the way ordinary people engage with government and decision-makers on environmental matters. Consequently, citizens of Kazakhstan are entitled to be informed about all environment related issues pertaining to the project and it is the responsibility of public authorities, local authorities, or government departments to reveal such environmental information.

National legislation also foresees broad public involvement in decision-making process.

Further details to be added….

11.2 EBRD REQUIREMENTS FOR STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT AND PUBLIC CONSULTATION

Since EBRD may be involved in funding the Project, the Project must meet the best international practices and requirements for stakeholder engagement and public consultations as specified in the EBRD Environmental and Social Policy of 2008. The principles, requirements, methodological and procedural aspects of stakeholder engagement for EBRD Category A and B projects are described in detail in PR10 “Information Disclosure and Stakeholder Engagement 12 . PR10 outlines a systematic approach to stakeholder engagement that will help clients build and maintain over time a constructive relationship with their stakeholders, including the locally affected communities.

As required, the following important stages shall be implemented for the Project engagement and consultation process:

- Identification of project stakeholder groups. Identification of stakeholders, including members of the public who could be affected by the Project construction and operation.

- Stakeholder engagement process and information disclosure. During this step, company name XXX is to ensure that identified stakeholders are appropriately engaged on environmental and social issues that could potentially affect them through a process of information disclosure and meaningful consultation.

- Meaningful consultation. The consultation process will be based on the disclosure of information relevant to the Project activities and operations. The consultation process will be undertaken in a manner that is inclusive and culturally appropriate for all stakeholders, including effected communities and vulnerable groups.

11 UNECE Aarhus Convention on access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters

12 EBRD Environmental and Social Policy 2008 (http://www.ebrd.com/downloads/about/sustainability/2008policy.pdf)


- Grievance mechanism. Maintaining a grievance process by which the general public and other stakeholders can raise concerns, and which will be handled in a prompt and consistent manner.

The stakeholder engagement process and SEP preparation was also guided by the IFC Good Practice Handbook13 that defines the best practice approach to stakeholder engagement.

13 http://www.ifc.org/ifcext/enviro.nsf/AttachmentsByTitle/p_StakeholderEngagement_Full/$FILE/IFC_StakeholderEngagement.pdf


12.0 Summary of previous stakeholder engagement

12.1 EBRD PREVIOUS STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT AND CONSULTATIONS IN KAZAKHSTAN

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (”EBRD” or the “Bank”) has made RES a key priority for investment in its countries of operation and has reviewed a number of early stage RES projects in Kazakhstan. The Bank has gained initial approval from the Clean Technology Fund (CTF) for concessional finance of up to $110 million to help create markets for power from RES in Kazakhstan. The Bank is now in the process of establishing dedicated financing facilities to enable it to provide finance to both larger and smaller RES projects in Kazakhstan (up to €10 million per project). This will be supported by funds from the CTF.

The Bank has been active since 2008 in assisting the Government of Kazakhstan (the “Government”) through a technical cooperation programme in supporting the preparation of legislation to support RES development which has involved extensive stakeholder dialogue with the Ministry of Industry and New Technologies (MINT).

In 2012, during the early stages of renewable energy programme development for Kazakhstan, the EBRD launched the assignment Kazakhstan Renewable Energy Development Framework and Regulatory Support (TCS number 34068). This assignment was to provide technical assistance in renewable energy regulatory support and institution building to the Kazakhstan Ministry of Industry and New Technologies (MINT; subsequently renamed the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, or MEWR). Included in that assignment was a Renewable Energy Market Study, which included extensive stakeholder dialogue to establish the appropriate structure for renewable energy regulation in Kazakhstan.

A number of key stakeholders and interested parties were identified at that stage, including local authorities and regulators at different levels, potential donor agencies, scientific and research institutes, and private developers. All targeted groups were contacted, and a series of individual meetings and workshops were organized and undertaken.

12.2 KAZREFF SER CONSULTATIONS

The Kazakhstan Renewable Energy Financing (KazREFF) undertook a large stakeholder engagement exercise alongside the Strategic Environmental Review (SER) of the potential effects of implementing renewable energy projects funded under KazREFF. The SER consultations were undertaken in three stages:

• Stage 1 (between April and July 2013). In Stage 1, the information about the KazREFF SER and SER Scoping Report was disclosed to with 30 representatives of various stakeholder groups; 13 of whom were individually interviewed. Representative stakholders included representatives of local authorities, manufacturers, developers and consultants involved in the development and implementation of renewable energy projects in Kazakhstan. The initial list of stakeholders resulting from stakeholder identification and analysis was expanded and amended where necessary.

• Stage 2 (between July 2013 and September 2013). In Stage 2, the SER Environmental Scoping Report was published on the KazREFF SER website at http://www.kazreff-

http://www.kazreff-ser.com/


ser.com. EBRD conducted half-day scoping meetings on 16 and 18 July 2013 in Astana and Almaty, respectively, to encourage broad stakeholder participation in the development of the SER. Outreach activities, including mailing, emailing and telephoning contacts, were undertaken with 86 organizations representing a variety of stakeholders in the Astana and Almaty areas including government, developers, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), consultants, and advisory bodies. Eighteen organizations representing a variety of stakeholders participated in the meetings.

• Stage 3 (June 2014 through October 2014). In Stage 3, the Draft SER report was disclosed and initiated formal 120-day public consultation period, where all stakeholders had an opportunity to provide comment on the disclosed Draft SER report. During this timeframe, two workshops were held to both inform and educate stakeholders about the SER and the KazREFF.

12.3 PUBLIC DISCLOSURE AND CONSULTATIONS DURING PROJECT Add details of any public disclosure / consultation undertaken to date as part of this project. 12.4 OTHER CONSULTATIONS DURING THE PROJECT Add details of any other consultation that may have occurred as part of the project, for example with authorities to obtain necessary permits.



13.0 Stakeholder Identification and Communication Methods

In order to define a communication process in line with EBRD PR10, company name XXX has identified several stakeholder groups that may be interested and/or affected by the Project development and implementation. The stakeholders identified include:

• Internal stakeholders, such as company name XXX employees and construction contractors’ workers

• External stakeholders, such as o governmental authorities, o non-governmental organisations and o local residents.

Others who wish to be included in the list can contact company name XXX and be put on the mailing list for information on reporting, meetings, or other consultation opportunities. Table 1 describes the stakeholder engagement programme and communication process by providing contact details of certain stakeholders, and identifying communication methods and specific media that will be used to notify stakeholders of information. Any suggestions for improvement of proposed communication methods or media are welcomed and can be submitted via the contact information at the end of this document.

Table 1. Stakeholder engagement programme for the Project

Stakeholder group Description Communication method / channel and contact

information (where applicable)

Proposed Media

Internal Stakeholders

Employees XXX For example…

- Internal newsletters - Emails - Grievance procedure - Bulletin boards - Union meetings - Inserts with payslips

Company website??

www.kazreff.com??

Temporary Construction Workers, subcontractors

XXX For example…


XXX

Unions:

• XXX

XXX For example…

- Official correspondence.

XXX

http://www.uself.com.ua/





Proposed Media

- Union newsletter. - Information on request to union representatives.

External Stakeholders

Population in XXX XXX XXX Newspapers: XXX

Radio: XXX

Company website??

www.kazreff.com??

Local authorities and public enterprises:

For example… Water Company

XXX For example… - Communication via official letters and meetings

XXX

Public Health Institute XXX For example… - Ongoing working linkages

with the Institute

XXX

County / city administration

XXX For example… - Ongoing working linkages

with the authorities - Official correspondence - Meetings

XXX

State level authorities:

- Ukrainian Water Authority - Ministries • XXX

XXX For example… - Official correspondence

- Meetings

XXX

Other relevant external stakeholders

For example… Local Tourist Board

XXX - Meetings (invitation to public consultation meetings)

Company website??

www.kazreff.com??

Others..




14.0 Disclosure of Information and Stakeholder Engagement Programme

14.1 DISCLOSURE OF GENERAL INFORMATION Provide details of general information disclosure – website, company reports etc

14.2 DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION RELEVANT TO PROJECT To meet the environmental and social requirements and performance standards of EBRD and EU, company name XXX will develop, disclose to the public and then implement an Environmental and Social Action Plan (ESAP), which will identify mitigation measures to minimise, reduce, eliminate or control potential adverse impacts on environment and people.

The final version of ESAP will be published on company name XXX official website (or KazREFF website?) and printed copies will be available on request from XXX (contact information available in the table above). The local population will receive timely information (through the local media listed in the table above and announcements regarding grievance management in relation to construction activities, safety measures in the vicinity of the construction site, traffic management, employment opportunities and opportunities for service provision (catering, accommodation of workers, laundry services, etc.) and any other information identified through the development of the ESAP. Annual project progress reports, including environmental and social impacts, health and safety performance and implementation of the external grievance mechanism will also be disclosed on company name XXX official website (or KazREFF website?) and will be available on request XXX (contact information available in the table above). 14.3 STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT PROGRAMME Consultations and disclosure of information for local public Public consultations will be held after a draft Environmental and Social Action Plan has been developed.

Add details of proposed consultation. For example - who will manage it, when will it take place, and with whom?

Other stakeholder engagement activities



15.0 Timetable

Stakeholder(s) and engagement activity(ies)

Issues / documents Possible dates

During the development of ESAP and NTS

XXX XXX XXX

XXX XXX XXX

When the ESAP/SEP/NTS are completed

All stakeholders Publish ESAP, SEP and NTS (in English and Ukrainian) and inform all stakeholders through local media. Include responses to comments, suggestions which were not incorporated in the documents.

XXX

Before construction

Contractors / temporary workers Agree construction related grievance management, inform all stakeholders;

Code of conduct for temporary workers, trainings

XXX

Local population Information on safety measures

Traffic Management Plan

Employment opportunities and opportunities for service provision

XXX

During construction and operation

Public consultation meetings if necessary (determined in cooperation with EBRD)

Implementation of the ESAP, new impacts, revision of documents, implementation of SEP, processing and responding to grievances

XXX

After construction

Ongoing meetings and cooperation, throughout the life of the project, with the following external stakeholders:

• XXX


16.0 Public Grievance Mechanism

The objective of a grievance procedure is to ensure that all comments and complaints from any project stakeholder, including local/regional authorities, residents of nearby residential areas, company name XXX employees, company name XXX contractors’ staff and other interested parties, are considered and addressed in an appropriate and timely manner. All grievances will be acknowledged and responded to within a reasonable timeframe.

company name XXX will accept all comments and complaints associated with the project. A sample of a Comments and Complaints Form is shown in Appendix A. The comments and complaints will be summarised and listed in a Complaints/Comments Log Book, containing the name/group of commenter/complainant, date the comment was received, brief description of issues, information on proposed corrective actions to be implemented (if appropriate) and the date of response sent to the commenter/complainant. Any person or organisation may send comments and/or complaints in person or via post, email, or facsimile using the contact information specified in Section 8.0 below. All comments and complaints will be responded to either verbally or in writing, in accordance with preferred method of communication specified by the complainant in the Comments and Complaints Form. Comments will be reviewed and taken into account in the project preparation; however they may not receive an individual response unless requested. All grievances will be registered and acknowledged within 5 days and responded to within 20 working days. Company name XXX will keep a grievance log and report on grievance management, as part of annual project progress reports, available at the company name XXX website and on request at add contact details.

Comments and concerns regarding the project can be submitted in writing in the following ways:

• electronic form on company name XXX website or KazREFF website?: add details • email: XXX • by post or hand delivered to (see example grievance form attached):

– XXX • by phone:

– XXX

Provide contact person and specify contact details

Individuals who submit their comments or grievances have the right to request that their name be kept confidential.

During construction, grievances in relation to construction activities will be managed by company name XXX and construction contractor. Local residents will be informed about the contractors contact information before construction begins, through the local media (listed in the table above) and announcements in public places.

http://www.hep.hr/hep/kontakti.aspx


A separate grievance mechanism is available for workers, both employees of company name XXX and the contractors.

17.0 Roles and Responsibilities

Provide contact person and specify contact details will have the overall responsibility for handling the consultation and information disclosure process, including organisation of consultation process, communication with identified stakeholder groups, collecting and processing comments/complaints, and responding to any such comments and complaints. Depending on the nature of a comment/complaint, some comments or complaints will be provided to the appropriate person in the company for a response.

Name of the person and title Affiliation

XXX

Company: XXX

Postal Address: XXX

Telephone: XXX

E-mail address: XXX

Hotline: XXX


APPENDIX A Comments and Complaints Sample Form

FORM FOR COMMENTS, COMPLAINTS AND REPORTS OF INDIVIDUALS Reference No:

Full Name

Contact Information and Preferred method of communication

Please mark how you wish to be contacted (mail, telephone, e-mail).

� By Post: Please provide mailing address: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

� By Telephone: _______________________________________________

� By E-mail _______________________________________________

Description of Incident or Grievance: What happened? Where did it happen? Who did it happen to? What is the result of the problem? Source and duration of the problem?

Date of Incident/Grievance

� One time incident/grievance (date _______________) � Happened more than once (how many times? _____) � On-going (currently experiencing problem)

What would you like to see happen to resolve the problem?

Signature: _______________________________

Date: _______________________________

Please return this form to: XXXXXXXX

Address __________________________: Tel.: _________

or E-mail: ___

CONTENTS


DATE

Kazakhstan Renewable Energy Financing Facility (KazREFF) PROJECT NAME Environmental and Social Action Plan - Wind

P

CONTENTS


1 PROJECT OVERVIEW 93

1.1 Project approach 93

1.2 Scope of this ESAP 93

1.3 ESAP for on-shore wind projects 95


1 PROJECT OVERVIEW

1.1 PROJECT APPROACH To encourage businesses to pursue sustainable energy projects, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has launched the Kazakhstan Renewable Energy Financing Facility (KazREFF). KazREFF aims to ‘provide development support and debt finance to renewable energy projects which meet required commercial, technical and environmental standards’. KazREFF not only provides tailor-made financing, but also provides technical assistance for businesses and local authorities based on information gathered and analysed by stakeholders to promote projects that are often challenging to finance and implement.

KazREFF is part of the EBRD’s Sustainable Energy Initiative (SEI) which addresses the challenges of climate change and energy efficiency. Since the launch of the SEI in 2006, the EBRD has remained at the forefront in helping countries from Central Europe to Central Asia secure sustainable energy supplies and finance the efficient use of energy that will cut demand and imports, reduce pollution, and mitigate the effects of climate change.

In co-operation with the national authorities in Kazakhstan, EBRD commissioned a Strategic Environmental Review (SER) for the KazREFF programme, focusing on renewable energy technologies in optimal areas of Kazakhstan. The renewable energy technologies specifically reviewed in the SER include small hydropower, on-shore wind, solar photovoltaic, and biogas technologies. Four Environmental and Social Action Plan (ESAP) templates have been produced – one for each of the renewable energy technologies – to provide a framework for further development at the inception of a given renewable energy project that is seeking funding from KazREFF. The SER and associated Environmental and Social Action Plans comply with the EBRD’s Environmental and Social Policy and its Public Information Policy.

1.2 SCOPE OF THIS ESAP This ESAP is for the on-shore wind renewable energy scenario; It includes a series of actions to be undertaken in order to manage – that is, to plan and implement specific measures to avoid, reduce, control, or otherwise mitigate – potential environmental, occupational health and safety, and social impacts during construction and operation14. This ESAP should be considered as a template which will be reviewed and amended by project proponents who wish to develop specific on-shore wind projects funded by KazREFF in the future; and will be part of the contract between the project developer and EBRD. It is envisaged that EBRD will require performance of the required actions to be regularly reported and that it will periodically monitor implementation of the ESAP.

The table below presents the actions required by this ESAP, organised by the EBRD’s Performance Requirements. These actions should be added to as befits the individual project situation; If there is a good reason to remove an action from the table this can be agreed with the EBRD during the development of the project. The table shows the source and timing of

14 For purposes of this ESAP, “construction” includes all actions in the field to construct the project, including support and ancillary facilities such as construction camps, roads, temporary or permanent buildings, staging areas, etc. “Operation” means routine and non-routine operation and maintenance of the hydropower plant and support facilities, and “project performance” includes the entire period of construction and operation.


the requirement and the criteria by which performance of the action will be evaluated. Implementation of all the actions will be the responsibility of project developer. When other companies perform work under contract, the developer will be responsible for those contractors’ compliance with the requirements of the ESAP. This is expected to be accomplished by inclusion of appropriate requirements in contracts and subcontracts, and by direct oversight and supervision by the developer as needed.

As specified in various required actions, or as otherwise agreed by the parties, once produced, a project-level ESAP may be further revised from time to time during project performance. No changes to the project-level ESAP will allow violations of Kazakhstan law or of EBRD requirements for environmental and social performance. Additionally, it should be fully understood by all parties that this ESAP does not supersede any local or national laws; the developer must comply with all applicable laws and regulations governing the development of the proposed facilities.


KAZAKHSTAN RENEWABLE ENERGY FINANCING FACILITY (KAZREFF)

1.3 ESAP FOR ON-SHORE WIND PROJECTS

No. Issue/Action Source of Requirement (EBRD PR #, EU, BAT,

etc.)

Date to be completed /

responsibility Measure of success

0 Prepare and submit reports on status of ESAP implementation and environmental and social performance, including resolution of grievances.

EBRD PR1 Each six months during construction, annually thereafter

Submission reports on environmental, occupational health and safety, and social (ESHS) performance

1. Environmental and social planning and management

1.1 Achieve and maintain environmental and social management systems equivalent to ISO 14001.

Best international management practices.

PR1

Ongoing Include in ESHS report the status of environmental and social management systems

1.2 Achieve and maintain an occupational health and safety (OHS) management system to OHSAS 18001 or equivalent for all companies associated with energy generation, transmission and distribution.


PR1

Ongoing Include in ESHS report the status of OHS management systems

1.3 Appoint responsible manager(s) for environmental and occupational health and safety issues. Train foremen and appropriate staff on each construction team and ensure operations meet the relevant requirements of this ESAP and, as needed, the requirements of EBRD’s Performance Requirements.


PR1

Throughout construction and operation

- Appointment of corporate ESHS manager

- Training of foremen and other staff

- Ultimate goal: full compliance with ESAP

- Include in ESHS report updates on appointment(s) and training

1.4 Develop comprehensive waste management plans for the project. Plans should include (at a minimum):

- Procedures for proper handling of all waste


PR1

Prior to and during construction

- Preparation and implementation of waste management plans

- Include in ESHS report information on plan preparation and waste



etc.)



generated at the construction or operational site (including hazardous and non-hazardous waste);

- Methods to verify proper off-site management of related wastes by contract waste managers; and,

- Measures to minimise waste generation and maximise reuse and recycling.

Note that wastes include paper, printer cartridges, lights, and office waste as well as construction and industrial waste

management compliance status

1.5 Establish corporate policy and procedures for oversight of contractor (if project proponent is not also contractor) ESHS performance during construction, to include (at a minimum):

- Inclusion of appropriate ESAP and other legal requirements in contracts, including requirement for staff/management training;

- Assignment of clear responsibilities within developer for contractor oversight of the projects;

- Regular inspections of sites and contractors’ construction camps;

- Contractor reports on performance sufficient to allow inclusion of data in ESHS reports to the Bank, and to allow developer to determine if corrective actions are needed; and,


PR1


ESHS reports to EBRD on:

- Programme description

- Highlights of performance (appointments, inspections, etc.)

- Training

- Contractor summaries (both at contractor level and compiled project level) in terms of environmental and OHS performance summaries



etc.)



- Verification of training and professional credentials for contractor environmental and OHS managers and staff.

1.6 Obtain all required permits for the projects and comply with permit requirements.

Local regulatory requirements

PR1

Prior to construction and during operation, as applicable

- Identify permits required and received in ESHS reports; and,

- Report on compliance in ESHS reports

1.7 Monitor performance of project during operation against the environmental and social standards and objectives set and submit regular reports to EBRD at agreed timescales and for an agreed period (likely to be a number of years).

PR1 During operation Submission of monitoring reports demonstrating that predicted environmental and social effects are being satisfactory mitigated for.

2. Performance Requirement 2: Labour and Working Conditions

2.1 Evaluate HR management system and procedures against EBRD requirements and Kazakhstan law, including specifically provisions covering:

- terms of employment and dismissal;

- grievance mechanism;

- discrimination, harassment, violations and human rights;

- proscription of forced and child labour;

- mandatory medical checks for new hires; and,

- social leave/benefits.

Update system/policies as necessary to ensure

PR2 Prior to construction - Until complete, include in ESHS report status of required and completed updates to HR systems;

- Report annually on key worker data, including dismissals and new hires, status of medical checks, etc.; and,

- Include in ESHS report data on numbers of workers in various categories (management, skilled, unskilled, etc.), and breakdown by gender.



etc.)



compliance.

2.2 As part of policy development under item 1.5 above, develop and implement a contractor management plan for the project, and procedures ensuring contractor’s compliance with EBRD PR 2 and Kazakhstan labour law.

PR2 Prior to contracting - Preparation and implementation of plan; and,

- Report on contractors’ compliance and oversight results.

2.3 Support local labour force by:

- Providing realistic information on employment opportunities, with transparent hiring practices;

- Advertise for all positions;

- Employing local labour where possible;

- Pay wages at least average for the area for comparable positions; and,

- Construction camps must comply with Kazakhstan law and provide adequate heating, showering and cooking facilities.

Best international practices.

PR2

Throughout construction

- No complaints from labour force; and,

- Include data on use of local labour in ESHS reports.

2.4 Develop and implement an OHS plan to guide all project-related activities on the project sites during construction and then throughout operation. Also require contractor plan/compliance. Requirements to include (but not be limited to):

- Job- and task-specific hazard analysis and controls for developer and contractor’s activities (given the nature of wind turbine construction, this should include specific


PR2

Plan in place prior to construction (for contractors, prior to site operations).

Throughout construction and operation.

- Preparation and implementation of OHS plans for projects;

- Review and approval of contractor OHS plans; and,

- Include in ESHS reports to Bank data on performance by developer and contractors (hours worked, accidents, lost time, etc.).



etc.)



measures for working at heights);

- Provision of PPE, requirements for use of PPE, and enforcement of PPE use;

- Safety training for all personnel, covering hazards for their jobs;

- Review and approval of contractors OHS plans, to meet same standards as developer’s plan;

- Oversight of contractor OHS implementation, including mandatory reporting; and,

- Recording incident statistics, including total work hours.

2.5 Location and life activities of construction camps shall meet the requirements of Kazakhstan law and EBRD PR2.


PR2

At all times construction camps are occupied

Compliance

Include data on incidents in ESHS reports

3. Performance Requirement 3: Pollution Prevention and Abatement

3.1 Implement mitigation measures and best management practices to prevent / reduce / control air pollution from fugitive dust and vehicle / equipment emissions.

- Control dust emissions in dry periods by using water or other dust suppression methods on roads and other areas that may generate dust;

- Ensure efficient usage of delivery vehicles; including use of alternative and/or more


PR3


Minimal dust generation



etc.)



efficient delivery methods (including for example rail, boat) during construction to optimise the emissions to atmosphere per payload;

- Ensure all vehicles carrying spoil and all stockpiles are covered;

- Switch vehicles and equipment off when not in use; and,

- Keep all motorised equipment and vehicles well-maintained to reduce emissions.

3.2 Develop erosion, sediment and water quality control plan for all areas where the ground will be disturbed during construction. Plan should (at a minimum):

- Specify use of good housekeeping practices and best management practices to minimise surface water and stormwater runoff to watercourses and aquatic habitat (especially in critical areas or time periods for aquatic life). For example, siltation dispersal, such as settling ponds, using silt curtains along any nearby waterways, straw bales, check-dams, and seeding;

- Keep hard-standing areas and road surfaces clean from mud and oil build up;

- Keep stockpiles covered, minimise bare ground near rivers;

- Store hazardous and potentially polluting


PR3


Mitigated adverse impacts on water quality

Report on impacts in ESHS reports.



etc.)



materials in bunded, secure, areas away from watercourse and pathways to watercourses (e.g. drains, ditches);

- Use kerbed/ bunded areas to prevent run off to river;

- Silt collected in any device or structure should be cleaned away regularly;

- Inspections of vehicles and equipment for leaks before use near or in water; and,

- Particular attention should be given to avoiding steep slopes and implementing erosion control measures, and promptly re-vegetating cleared land with native species only.

3.3 Implement measures to prevent / reduce / control ground contamination as a result of spills of fuel, lubricants and other chemicals.

- Store fuels and oils in bunded containers with 110% capacity;

- Ensure drip-trays are in place where fuels or oils are stored or used;

- Identify a designated bunded refuelling location;

- Educate drivers and equipment operators in proper fuel management, including clean-up of spills; and,

- Make spill kits available, and use if necessary


PR3


Mitigation in place for potential adverse impacts of ground contamination.



etc.)



to clean up oil spills etc before contaminants can enter the ground or watercourses.

3.4 Ensure appropriate containment and disposal of construction wastewater, including sanitary water and storm water. All sanitary and storm water to be collected and delivered to a nearby waste water treatment works.


PR3


Reduction in the risk of water / land pollution and impacts on ecology

3.5 Developer to ensure that the project team has a high level of preparedness for emergencies (such as earthquakes and major dam failures) and that an appropriate emergency plans is in place and understood by developer and contractor staff. Include the local community in the emergency plan.


PR3 PR4


Potential major incidents identified and avoided through emergency planning; if major incidents occur, these are handled according to the planned procedures.

3.6 Develop plans to reduce project-related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions

- Establish baseline GHG emissions;

- Estimate construction and operation GHG emissions and take steps to reduce these during project design; and,

- Record actual GHG emissions during construction and operation.


PR3

Planning prior to construction and implementation throughout construction and operation

GHG emissions minimised

GHG emissions reported to EBRD in ESHA report.

3.7 Develop reinstatement plans for working areas including for the re-vegetation of areas cleared prior to, or during, construction.


PR3

Planning prior to construction and implementation following construction.

Working areas reinstated with appropriate vegetation as soon as practicable following construction (it is recognised that could take a number of months or in some cases years).



etc.)



3.8 Develop soil protection plan to include:

- Site selection and facilities arrangement (including transmission lines, access roads, etc) to avoid or minimise displacement of productive agricultural lands;

- Measures to minimise compaction and other alteration of soil composition across working area; and,

- Soil erosion across the working area (as separate to erosion of banks and river bed within the watercourse).


PR3 PR4

Prior to construction Mitigated for potential adverse impacts upon soils.

4. Performance Requirement 4: Community Health & Safety and Security

4.1 Develop and implement – and require contractors to implement – procedures to protect public health and safety, to include (but not be limited to):

- Traffic management plan for all drivers and equipment operators (see 4.2 below);

- Public notice of construction operations near areas open to the public;

- Methods to identify and prevent spread of those communicable diseases that can be transmitted by the project components or its workforce (including contractors);

- Methods to prevent and minimise exacerbating impacts caused by natural hazards (such as landslides or floods);

PR4 Throughout construction and operation

- Public notices

- Security training

- Include in ESHA report to Bank data on notices, training, etc.



etc.)



- Security as needed to prevent unauthorised access to project locations, with appropriate training for guards to be guided by the principles of proportionality, good international practice and Kazakhstan law; and,

- Hazard notices/signs/barriers to discourage/prevent access to energised components or other dangerous areas.

4.2 Develop and implement a Traffic Management Plan.

- Design routes so as to avoid schools, hospitals, and other areas where there may be heavy pedestrian or child use;

- Notify communities and place signs on public roads prior to periods of heavy use;

- Place warning signs along the perimeter of construction areas;

- Confine construction activities to daylight hours;

- Establish and enforce strict speed limits on- and off-site;

- Provide training to all drivers, enforce compliance with traffic plan; and,

- Identify and implement measures to reduce construction traffic where possible, for example through car sharing and use of

- Best international practices

- PR4


Traffic management plan

Include in ESHS reports data on all accidents



etc.)



bicycles etc.

4.3 Develop a noise monitoring and mitigation programme that will establish a pre-construction baseline and ensure construction and operational noise is within Kazakhstan law and to minimise off-site disturbance to local population.

Avoidance and mitigation measures for noise, should include consideration of:

- Proper siting of wind farms to avoid locations in close proximity to sensitive noise receptors (e.g. residences, hospitals and schools);

- Turbine designs which adhere to relevant national and international acoustic design standards for wind turbines (such as those provide by the International Energy Agency, the International Electrotechnical Commissions and the American National Standards Institute);

- Consideration of using turbine designs that allow lower rotational speeds in high winds, such as variable speed turbines or pitched blades;

- Controls on construction and operation hours;

- Controls on type of construction and maintenance plant/vehicles;

- Controls on type of delivery vehicles used, routes used for deliveries and timing of

PR2, PR4 Establish baseline prior to construction

Monitor noise periodically throughout construction

Robust baseline

Minimal off-site disturbance

Early awareness of potential noise impacts, allowing mitigation to be put in place as required



etc.)



deliveries; and,

- Noise screening of works / operational areas.

4.4 Establish and enforce clear rules for workers (including contractor employees) in construction camps to prevent off-site disturbance incidents involving local residents.

Best international practices

At all times when construction camps are occupied

Include in ESHS report information on complaints and incidents involving workers, and contractor/developer responses

4.5 Avoid or mitigate for the risk of ‘shadow flicker’ (which occurs when the sun passes behind the wind turbine and casts a shadow) through appropriate siting to avoid sensitive receptors (such as residential areas) or through using modelling software to identify zones of flicker in order to inform proper siting of the turbines.


Prior to construction Minimal off-site disturbance

4.6 Avoid or mitigate for the risk of ‘blade or tower glint’ (which occurs when the sunlight strikes a rotor blade or the tower at a particular angle) through careful siting to avoid sensitive receptors or through painting the wind turbines and tower with non-reflective coating to avoid reflections.



4.7 Avoid or mitigate for potential impacts upon aircraft navigation safety, through:

- Consultation with air traffic authorities and adherence to all required national and international air safety measures;

- Where feasible, avoiding siting wind farms close to airports and or known flight paths; and,

Legal obligation and best international practices

Prior to construction No risk to aviation



etc.)



- Inclusion of anti-collision lighting and marking systems on towers and blades.

5. Performance Requirement 5: Land Acquisition, Involuntary Resettlement and Economic Displacement

5.1 Avoid siting projects where they will cause disruption or displacement to established communities, farms and homes, or users of grazing land where possible through thorough consideration of alternatives.

PR5 PR4


Prior to construction Project siting in area of least disturbance to communities

5.2 If displacement is unavoidable, plan to improve or, at a minimum, restore the livelihoods and standards of living of any displaced persons to pre-project levels. Displaced persons could include those who have legally recognisable rights or claims to the land, those with customary clams to the land, those with no legally recognisable rights or clams to the land, seasonal resource users such as herders/fishing families, hunter and gathers who may have interdependent economic relations with communities located within the project area.

PR5 PR4


Prior to construction Sustainable improvements to socio-economic status of any displaced persons

5.3 Attempt to reach negotiated settlements with all affected individuals / households

PR5 Prior to construction Amicable agreements avoiding the need for involuntary resettlement

5.4 If required, compensation to be provided at just replacement value, as determined by court certified valuators. This will take the form of replacement by a similar property or cash compensation.

PR5 Prior to construction Amicable agreements.

Include information on acquisition/resettlement/ compensation actions in ESHS report to Bank.

6. Performance Requirement 6: Biodiversity, Conservation and Sustainable Resource Management



etc.)



6.1 Undertake pre-construction ecological surveys and associated assessments of the project footprints (including ancillary works such as improvements to transmission lines and access roads) and surrounding areas to establish a robust baseline.

Surveys and assessments should be included for terrestrial ecosystems and aquatic ecosystems as befits the specific project and situation.

However, it is envisaged that for on-shore wind, surveys will particularly be needed for the following:

- Birds (including migratory species and to take into account key migration routes);

- Bats; and,

- Other wide-ranging mammals (including, otter, brown bear, bison, lynx and wildcat).


PR6

Prior to construction Survey reports, focussed on area of proposed construction

6.2 Develop an Ecosystem Protection Plan following the ecological surveys.

Follow the Biodiversity Mitigation Hierarchy: to Avoid, Minimise, Mitigate and Offset likely adverse effects.

This plan to cover the construction and operational phases and to include consideration of all species and habitats applicable to the project, including provisions to:

- Avoid, or mitigate for, siting of wind turbines


PR6

Develop plan prior to construction and follow plan during construction.

Production of an Ecosystem Protection Plan



etc.)



or associated transmission lines in areas recognised as important for bird migration paths (where avoidance is not possible, an example of mitigation would be to group turbines rather than spread them widely, or to orient rows of turbines parallel to known bird movements);

- Avoid, or mitigate for, siting of wind turbines or associated structures in areas recognised as important for bat roosting and foraging;

- Mitigation for potential light disturbance to bats and other nocturnal species;

- Identify and avoid or mitigate for project impacts upon species utilising key crossing points (crossing roads, transmission lines, etc). Mitigation may include, for example, such inclusions as aerial bat crossings, mammal underpasses, speed restricted crossing points and fencing, and / or restrictions upon vehicle movements during key migratory periods or times of day.

6.3 Following construction, re-grade and re-vegetate disturbed areas with native grass and shrub species.


PR6

End of construction Reduced adverse effects on flora and fauna

6.4 Avoid development within sites protected for their biodiversity under international or Kazakhstan law (habitats and/or species


PR6

Prior to construction Reduced adverse effects on flora and fauna



etc.)



6.5 Avoid, or mitigate for, siting of development in areas important for nature tourism


PR6

Prior to construction Reduced adverse effects on nature tourism

8. Performance Requirement 8: Cultural Heritage

8.1 Undertake archaeological desk study and site investigations where necessary to identify the likelihood of presence of artefacts or other items of cultural significance.

PR8 Prior to construction Survey report, focussed on area of proposed construction.

8.2 Develop measures to avoid direct impacts on protected cultural heritage sites and their settings (including UNESCO sites and those on the tentative list); and avoid, or where necessary mitigate for, impacts upon Registered Cultural Heritage Sites, Zones and Settlements, and unregistered or previously undiscovered sites by following a staged approach to cultural heritage studies involving qualified expertise and in consultation with the EBRD.

PR8 Prior to construction Protection of cultural heritage

Include information on finds in ESHS report to Bank.

8.3 Before (and if needed, during) major earthworks, ensure the supervision of an archaeologist from a competent conservatory institution to prevent destruction or theft of found objects and building remains with scientific or material value.

PR8 Throughout construction

Protection of cultural heritage


8.4 Develop a chance find procedure PR8 Prior to construction Protection of cultural heritage

8.5 Develop measures to avoid, or where not possible to avoid, mitigate for potential loss or disruption to cultural practices or resources.

PR8 Prior to construction Protection of cultural practices and resources

Include information on finds in ESHS



etc.)



report to Bank.

8.6 Undertake a Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) of the project, including consideration of the potential visual impacts of the turbines and associated infrastructure from all relevant viewing angles when considering locations.


PR8

Prior to construction Protection of landscapes

8.7 Develop a Landscape Protection Plan following the LVIA. Follow the Mitigation Hierarchy: to Avoid, Minimise, Mitigate and Offset likely adverse effects upon the natural features and landscapes that have archaeological, paleontological, historical, architectural, religious, aesthetic or other cultural significance. This plan to cover the construction and operational phases and to consider the inclusion of the following aspects where applicable:

- Screening of works and operations (for example by using natural features such as tree lines, or by careful placement of earthworks);

- Sensitive turbine placement and route placement of power transmission lines, access roads and other associated work;

- Burial of intra-project transmission lines in sensitive areas;

- Removal of inoperative turbines;

- Routing of roads and transmission lines


PR8




etc.)



along existing cuttings or linear features to reduce on setting;

- Selection of construction materials and colours to integrate the development into the surrounding landscape (including painting all turbines a uniform colour, typically matching the sky, whilst observing air navigation marking rules); and,

- Avoid including lettering, company insignia, advertising, or graphics on turbines.

10. Performance Requirement 10: Information Disclosure and Stakeholder Engagement

10.1 Develop a Stakeholder Engagement Plan, including a Grievance Mechanism (SEP)

PR10 Prior to construction Review and approval by EBRD

10.2 Complete EBRD ESIA requirements for Category B projects with a disclosure package, to be agreed with EBRD, comprising of at least the SEP, this Environmental and Social Action Plan and a Non-technical summary of the environmental and social assessment undertaken.

PR10 Prior to construction Disclosure through suitable means, to be agreed with EBRD, which could include:

- Flyers to local residents;

- Posters in local venues/ public halls;

- Information on KazREFF and/or developer’s websites;

- Public meetings; and/or,

- Other, as specified in SEP.

10.3 Implement the agreed SEP, inform stakeholders of activities and progress, and receive and respond to grievances.

PR10 Throughout project Include in ESHS report:

- details on grievances and resolution; and,

- consultations and other outreach to



etc.)



the community, including authorities


Consultancy Contract C26157REV/JPNS-2013-02-01 Kazakhstan Renewable Energy Financing Facility (KazREFF) - Strategic Environmental Review Renewable Project Environmental Review Report - Solar June 2014 ERM Japan Ltd. The Landmark Tower Yokohama 19th Floor, 2-2-1 Minatomirai, Nishi-ku YOKOHAMA 220-8119 Japan www.erm.com

Prepared For:

Contents

1.0 INTRODUCTION 1










3.1 COMPONENTS 12

3.1.1 PV Modules 13

3.1.2 Inverters and Transformers 13

3.1.3 Racking 14



3.3.1 Solar Farm Land Usage 18









5.1.1 Category A 28

5.1.2 Category B 29





6.0 APPENDICES 34

ERM 1 KazREFF RPER Report SOLAR – June 2014

1.0 INTRODUCTION

This Renewable Project Environmental Review (RPER) Report for Solar in Kazakhstan is one of four separate reports (other RPER reports were prepared for wind, small hydropower, and biogas) that have been prepared by Environmental Recourses Management (ERM) for the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). These RPER reports are prepared to support the Kazakhstan Renewable Energy Financing Facility (KazREFF) Strategic Environmental Review (SER) and provide a resource to provide guidance to developers and their consultants, as well as technical evaluators of proposed renewable projects, by identifying areas of good potential and the nature and scale of technologies that can be applied in different parts of Kazakhstan.




• Mercados Energy Markets International, Kazakhstan Renewable Energy Market Study (KREMS), Draft Final Report, July 2013 (ÅF-Mercados EMI (2013));

• Black and Veatch, Renewable Energy in Ukraine Technical Report: Solar, 1 September 2011 (Black and Veatch 2011).




This section of the report identifies the characteristics of the solar rich resource areas of the country and the regions of Kazakhstan where solar farm development is technically feasible. It also assesses the nature and extent of constraints to solar farm development.


Kazakhstan is the world’s ninth largest country being some 2.7 million km2 in extent. Figure 1 shows the different oblasts of Kazakhstan. The western regions are dominated by extensive lowlands that include Aral and Caspian Seas, while the centre of the country is characterised by rolling hills with peaks up to 1,565 m. The south eastern and south western parts of the country are bordered by mountain ranges. Approximately 10 per cent of the country is occupied by mountains (Figure 2) and the majority of the country is un-forested. The expanse of land and terrain within Kazakhstan indicates the potential solar resource that could be available for exploitation.




Because utility scale solar depends upon large tracts of flat, un-forested land, the development of large scale solar generating stations in many locations around the world is in competition with land use for agriculture. However, in Kazakhstan, the main agricultural land is concentrated in the northern part of the country, which is less desirable for solar facilities because of its lower solar insolation. Thus, the potential for such competition with agricultural lands is limited. In general, the ground conditions in Kazakhstan are highly favourable for the development of solar facilities.

Kazakhstan has an abundance of solar radiation due to its geography and its relative elevation above sea level. It receives on average of 6.5 to 6.8 hours of sunlight per day. Annual total daily irradiation varies between 3.5 and 4.6 kilowatt hours per square meter, which is among the best potential in the world (Figure 3). The southern areas of the country, especially the Aral Sea region and Qyzylorda oblast, are most favourable for the use of solar energy. The solar energy potential in these regions reaches to 2500- 3000 solar hours in a year.

ERM 4 KasREFF SER RPER SOLAR – June 2014

Figure 3 Solar Resource Map


Table 1 below highlights the solar power generating capacity of each of Kazakhstan’s oblasts. This potential in relation to transmission capacity and constraints is discussed in Section 2.3.

Table 1 Regional Solar Potential by Oblast

Region E, kW-h/m2 Region E, kW-h/m2

Astana 1,302 Almaty 1,411

Kostanai 1,224 Aktau 1,427

Petropavlovsk 1,227 Aqtobe 1,352

Qaragandy 1,335 Shymkent 1,477

Ust-Kamenogorsk 1,285 Uralsk 1,251

Ekibastuz 1,284 Turkestan 1,476

Semei 1,373 Taraz 1,373

Pavlodar 1,307 Qyzylorda 1,620

Kokshetau 1,227 Taldykorgan 1,420

Source: Reference guide to SNiP 2.01.01-82 Building Climatology.


The Action Plan for Development of Alternative and Renewable Energy in Kazakhstan for 2013-2020 has a short-term goal for the development of four solar plants totalling 77 MW in electricity generating capability. This programme as well as other initiatives, was used by the RoK government as a basis for a series of actions and targets for solar development from 2015 to 2030 which encourages the construction of solar facilities generating a capacity of up to 0.5 GW by 20301.

Kazakhstan has very large coal, oil, gas and uranium resources that are all being actively exploited. The country is the third largest producer of crude oil in Central Asia, behind Russia and China and has the third largest reserves outside of the OPEC member countries. One result of the abundance of energy resources has been the lack of a driver for developing solar energy on the basis of a scarcity of indigenous energy resources. Nevertheless, other drivers needed to be (and were) identified such as the need to reduce

1 CONCEPT for transition of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Green Economy, 2013


greenhouse gas emissions, to strengthen local power supply and to act as an economic stimulus2.


To realise the solar energy potential of Kazakhstan solar electricity generating facilities will need to be in general proximity to existing transmission lines and the existing electricity grid will need to have adequate capacity to receive the power generated. Sites that are situated a great distance from load centres or major transmission lines face greater development costs and are generally less favourable than sites with better access to these facilities. Larger projects are able to locate farther away from transmission while smaller projects are located closer to transmission, due to economies of scale of larger projects to absorb higher transmission costs3.


The grid in Kazakhstan is state-owned and operated by the Kazakhstan Electricity Grid Operating Company (KEGOC). There are also 21 regional energy companies (RECs) that distribute electricity on a regional monopoly basis. Due to the size of Kazakhstan the network is characterised by long distance transmission. The Kazakhstan transmission network dates back to the Soviet era and has a history of underinvestment. However at present it has sufficient capacity and no voltage problems. The majority of the population is connected to the grid, less than 5 per cent of the population, located primarily in rural areas, are without electricity. However, in some areas power cuts or discontinuous supply are not uncommon due to grid capacity issues and a lack of local generation facilities. In addition, in some regions the industrial base has expanded and investment in power infrastructure has failed to keep pace. Figure 4 shows the areas of greatest population density and domestic energy demand in Kazakhstan.

2 Lessons learnt from the UNDP-GEF project “Kazakhstan — Wind Power Market Development Initiative, UNDP Kazakhstan, 2011. 3 Black & Veatch 2011



The electricity grid is separated into three regions west, north and south (Figure 5). It has a general north-south split in generation and demand with approximately 80 per cent of the electricity being produced in the north near coal reserves and 70 per cent being used in the same industrialised region (UNDP/GEF 2011). The transmission system operates at 500 kV and 220 kV and consists of 24,101 km of 35 - 1150 kV overhead transmission lines and 74 power substations with an installed capacity of 34,408 MVA (see Figure 6). A 1,100 km 500 kV electricity transmission system has connected the north and south regions since 2009. Due to demand growth in the southern zone the transmission lines connecting north and south are fully loaded, and in the period of peak demand (winter) they are reported to be occasionally overloaded.





Source: Åf-Mercados EMI (2013)

Developing solar power projects in the south could help solve the problem of the overload of the north-south transmission lines. The northern zone has an excess of generation, but development would still be an advantage in order to reduce the power imports from neighbouring Russia. The western grid operates separately and currently has a load shortage of about 100 MW, which is also covered by power import from Russia. Solar power development in the western zone, especially in Manggystau, would reduce Kazakhstan’s reliance on imports from Russia.

95

90

390480

700

1173

658

1720

1180

160

1020

1020

860

160

1620

348

1862

337 1823160

8501609

209700

3195

320



In general, the existing transmission system should not be an impediment to solar development, although there are areas where accessing transmission would be prohibitively costly. Most of the solar projects under consideration are small to moderate in size (2 MW to 20 MW) and while such projects do impact transmission flows, they are dwarfed by the existing hydro and coal plants, which are mostly greater than 400 MW. The existing transmission lines have been planned for these larger projects, so where lines exist, the addition of one or two small projects is not likely to upset the dynamics of the system unless the system is already at its capacity limit. The limits of the system could only be determined by a full system flow analysis for individual projects, but, in general, capacity availability should not be a problem. Solar development is likely to be in the southern areas of the country. In the southern oblasts of Qyzylorda, Southern Kazakhstan, and Zhambyl, there is a major (500 kV) transmission line and a number of smaller (230 kV) lines. The southern region often imports power and, to the degree that a new solar facility would displace this imported power, the loads would effectively net out.

There are large areas of the country (Aqtobe and Qyzylorda) that have excellent potential, available land, but no transmission infrastructure. In these areas without access to major transmission lines, it would be problematic to connect solar systems of 50 MW or more, and on some small radial lines, even 20 MW facilities could require system reinforcements. Extending the lines here would reinforce the entire Kazakhstan transmission system, but it would be a major undertaking and if the only resources added were solar, the intermittency on the system could create stability problems.



The suitability assessment of the transmission grid for development of solar power assumes that there is no investment in the electricity grid of Kazakhstan. However it should be noted that considerable network development both on-going and planned is being undertaken by Government of the RoK and KEGOC.







At this time, a very limited number of solar facilities have been built. The existing installed capacity of solar photovoltaics (PV) in Kazakhstan is only 0.5 MW, all coming from the Otar Solar Power Plant in Zhambyl oblast. There are plans to extend this facility to 7 MW, and then to 24 MW by 2014.


In addition to small-scale local solar facilities, larger scale installations are planned and include:

• Samruk-Energy (an agency of the Kazakhstan government) has proposed a 70 MW solar facility near Astana to be on-line in time for EXPO 2017.

• Kazakatomprom has a PV cell manufacturing facility and has proposed a solar project, but no details are available at this time.

• Chevron and Astana Solar have been identified as important stakeholders for solar, but there are no details on specific projects they may be considering.

In stakeholder meetings conducted during the SER scoping process, representatives from the Republic of Kazakhstan Institute noted that they


understand there exists, or is planned, a 2 MW solar facility in Capchup, but details of this project are not available. These are summarised in Table 2.

Table 2 Operating/Announced Solar PV Projects

Name/Owner Location Operating MW

Proposed MW

Otar Solar Zhambyl 0.5 7 (2013) 24 (2014)

Samruk Energy Astana 0 70

Kazakatomprom Unknown Unknown Unknown

Chevron Unknown Unknown Unknown

Astana Solar Unknown Unknown Unknown

Unknown Capchup Unknown 2




This section looks at the type of technology that would be employed for solar power generation in Kazakhstan. It details the key activities and environmental and physical constraints to be taken into consideration for the construction, operation and decommissioning of a potential site. It also discusses the current status of the solar facility power supply chain in Kazakhstan.

3.1 COMPONENTS

Only utility scale, ground mounted solar PV projects sized at 0.5 MW or greater are presently being considered for solar power generation in Kazakhstan. The following sections detail typical solar farm components and the performance and operation of a typical solar farm. Project costs and component availability are also discussed.

A PV system has three critical components: PV modules, inverters, and racking. In addition, the interconnection infrastructure at a medium or high voltage is especially important for medium and large PV projects. Other components include wiring, combiner boxes, disconnection switches, meters, and monitoring equipment. Figure 7 presents a general conceptual overview of a Solar PV system.

Figure 7 Conceptual Overview of a Solar PV System

Source: Black & Veatch (2011)


3.1.1 PV MODULES

There are many variations of solar PV technologies based on different types of solar cells (monocrystalline, polycrystalline, amorphous, thin film, etc.) and mounting structures (fixed tilt, single-axis tracking, dual-axis tracking, etc.).

Initially, solar cells were either monocrystalline or polycrystalline silicon. As recently as 2008, there were a limited number of factories producing the high-quality silicon wafers needed for solar PV, resulting in shortages and high prices. The construction of hundreds of additional factories to produce these wafers, and the development of alternative technologies, has drastically changed this situation. Today, in addition to monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar cells, there are amorphous and thin film cells. Amorphous cells are produced by a deposition technology and have sometimes been promoted as a manufacturing-in-a-box technology that could be easily set up and used to promote local manufacturing. Thin film technology is manufactured through a sputtering-type application system. Thin film technology was initially developed commercially by First Solar and the technology represented a major breakthrough in cost. Today, polycrystalline and thin-film are the two dominant types of solar cells. Thin film is generally cheaper and lighter but less efficient, thus requiring more surface area for the same output. However, these two technologies have become highly competitive in recently years, so that at any time one might be less costly overall than the other. In general, since the shortages of the 2008 time period, solar cells have fallen in cost by close to 80 per cent.

In addition to crystalline, amorphous, and thin film solar PV cells, concentrating solar PV cells have come into the marketplace within the last two years. Concentrating PV cells are not the same as concentrated thermal solar. In solar thermal technology, the solar energy is transferred to a power tower or to fluids in a tube. In either of those cases, the liquid is heated and then power is generated through a traditional steam system. In concentrating PV cells, the cell itself is concentrating the energy and producing a larger output of electricity. There is no thermal component, nor standard steam generation system. The concentrating PV cells are more expensive to produce, somewhat off-setting the higher output. Today there are a limited number of factories producing the concentrating PV cells, but they are planned for, or being used in, a number of large-scale solar facilities in South Africa and the United States.

3.1.2 INVERTERS AND TRANSFORMERS

The inverter converts DC current generated by the PV modules into grid- quality AC current. For the types of projects being considered in this REPR, two large capacity inverters are used to integrate a single power conversion unit with a typical capacity between 1 and 2 MW. This type of PV design is


known as a central inverter configuration and has typical conversion efficiencies between 97 and 98 per cent.

For utility-scale projects, the inverter output is connected to a transformer that elevates the voltage to a distribution level. The collection of all the transformers output occurs at a switchyard, which can also be the point of interconnection to the grid via a substation. The switchyard output is elevated to the distribution or the transmission voltage before interconnection with the grid.

3.1.3 RACKING

A simple utility scale solar facility consists of a large number of solar panels individually mounted on supporting structures; usually metal grids raised approximately one meter off the ground, which, in turn, are supported by vertical posts driven into the ground. In some cases, where the soil is not sufficiently stable, holes are bored and the posts are put into these holes and concrete foundations are poured to stabilize and support the posts. The electric leads from each PV panel are then connected to the panels on each side, with between 12 and 36 panels connected in series into a string. The strings are wired together in parallel into an array. An array can contain as few as 10 or as many as 100 strings, depending on the decision of the designer. The arrays are generally configured to face south (in the northern hemisphere), and are tilted at an angle calculated to create the maximum electricity during the year.

Most systems have the panels and supporting structures fixed in place as described above, and are called “fixed tilt” systems. The installation does not move once in place. However, the units can be configured to have single- or dual-axis tracking to allow the arrays to track the sun, daily and seasonally, and optimize the amount of solar radiation received as shown in Figure 8. Tracking systems add to the cost of a solar facility but increase the overall output. Whether the additional cost of tracking is worth the additional output depends upon the particular system, insolation conditions and configuration.


Figure 8 Typical Solar PV Racking Systems


In all cases, the mounting systems must be designed to withstand any expected earthquake forces or wind loads. To date, anecdotal evidence suggests that most utility scale solar facilities have not experienced damage even from major wind storms (such as Hurricane Sandy on Long Island, New York, U.S., in 2012). However, longer term data is not available.


From an electrical interconnection perspective, modules are connected in series to form strings or arrays. Arrays typically connected to inverters, which transform the direct current generated by the panels into alternating current appropriate for the electric grid. Panel-to-panel connections are generally run along the structures, but array to inverter to transformer cabling is usually buried in shallow covered trenches. The final step connects all the inverters to a transformer, where the plant voltage, usually 600 to 1000 volts, is significantly increased to the appropriate voltage for interconnection to the grid.

Solar PV plants consist of DC solar panels tied together as a grid into a DC-to-AC inverter. Inverters provide negligible single line to ground fault current to the system. Inverters do increase harmonic content to a system due to the


power electronics required to convert the power to AC. Increasing harmonic content can create stability concerns for an interconnection, especially within weaker power systems (e.g. radial distribution lines). Although there is a small amount of fault current contributed by the inverters, the padmount transformers and cable can still provide a source of fault current, albeit low in contrast to other technologies. Different padmount transformer configurations can also increase or decrease the amount of fault current onto the system, so it is important to design the system to keep the zero sequence impedance to a minimum, but still have a ground reference (so no overvoltage scenarios occur). Series neutral reactors or resistors can be added to the neutral connections of the collection system to increase the zero sequence impedance, thus decreasing the fault current. Solar PV projects of different sizes have different interconnection concerns as discussed below.

Smaller interconnections (1 to 5 MW) are typically more feasible to interconnect at lower voltages due to the equipment necessary to build out an interconnection substation for the solar plant. These interconnections would be best suited at the lower transmission voltage and distribution levels. Solar facilities of this size typically serve local load instead of delivering power across long high-voltage transmission lines. The only caveat is that intermittent resources should not be interconnected to radial distribution systems due to stability concerns. Smaller scale solar plants can typically deliver the power through one medium voltage underground feeder which may tap directly into the distribution system at an interconnection substation. Distribution interconnection codes vary and should be used to determine requirements.

Medium scale interconnections (5 to 20 MW) are more feasible to interconnect at medium transmission voltages, such as 220 kV. These project substations require more inverters and more feeders, and larger equipment. These solar plants may serve local load, but can also be delivered into key transmission substations which step up to higher voltages. It is also optimal to locate these at substations with multiple outlets to avoid curtailment and ensure delivery of power.

Medium scale solar installations typically require more feeders from the inverters, but once collected together can be combined to step up the voltage through a step up transformer. Some inverters have transformers built in, and in this case, would just need to be connected into enclosed switchgear within a new collector substation which then is connected via overhead transmission to an interconnection substation. The switchgear may also be located within an existing substation and interconnected to a built-out bus within the fence.

Large scale interconnections (>20 MW) are injected at higher voltage substations that have multiple outlets. The reason for this is to allow for delivery dispersed between multiple transmission lines and to avoid


curtailment. Large scale solar plants collect into a large collector substation with switchgear after the inverter. Newer inverters with transformers built in can deliver the power at distribution voltages, but this would still need to be stepped up again to get to the transmission voltage. These built-in transformers may not benefit the overall installation of the solar plant due to the large quantity of feeders necessary. The switchgear delivers the medium voltage feeders (approximately 25 MW per feeder, up to eight feeders per enclosed switchgear) to one or more step up transformers. This power is then delivered to the interconnection substation or an existing substation.


Several factors should be considered when selecting a site and designing its configuration. The quality of the resource is an obvious primary consideration; however, there are some other significant issues in Kazakhstan, identified in the SER that should be considered when siting power facilities:

• Flood prone areas – Construction of solar plants in areas prone to flooding could result in the damage of PVs and associated infrastructure. In general, construction in flood prone areas should be avoided.

• Extreme weather – Snow has a potential negative impact on the ability to harvest solar energy. In most locations where solar has been installed around the world, the tilt of the solar panels has been adequate to cause normal snowfall to slide off and not accumulate. However, the potential in some of Kazakhstan’s oblasts for snow to accumulate to a depth of 2 meters or more means that, at some locations, panels might need to be placed on an elevated rack in order to function during typical snow seasons4. There is little comparable data to make recommendations in this regard, but it is a consideration. On the positive side, research suggests that PV solar panels are more efficient in cold weather and, therefore, it is possible that solar systems installed in the generally cold regions of Kazakhstan may actually produce more electricity per unit than similar projects in more temperate zones.

• Air pollution - Air pollution is a common issue in the major cities and industrial areas of Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan has set the Maximum Permissible Concentration for suspended dust at 0.5 milligrams per cubic meter on hourly average. A heavy concentration of suspended dust has the potential both to decrease the net solar insolation and to accumulate dust on panels, requiring more frequent cleaning to avoid

4 Snow information: Kazakh Research Institute of Power Engineering


a loss of efficiency. This may be an important consideration, especially in the Qaraghandy and Pavlodor regions, which have been shown to have had the country’s highest emission levels.

• Seismicity, mudflows, and landslides - Construction of solar plants in

areas of high seismicity or in areas prone to mudflows and landslides could result in the damage of PVs and associated infrastructure. In general, construction in high risk areas for these hazards should be avoided.

• Contaminated lands – Construction of solar facilities on contaminated

lands may be a beneficial use of these degraded areas; however, special consideration must be made to ensure the health of workers that could be exposed to contaminants at the surface (e.g. nuclear testing areas) or below ground during construction.

• Land use - In general, due to the relatively tight spacing of PV panels

and the arrays, the existing land use activities such as agricultural cannot continue during operation. Also, solar facilities would not be economically feasible on open water, especially given the abundance of available land in Kazakhstan; therefore, it is unlikely any facilities would be water-based.


should be located proximate to existing substations with capacity on the transmission grid. Solar facilities become to become less economical at increasing distances from substations due to the costs associated with extending distribution or transmission lines to the solar plant.

3.3.1 SOLAR FARM LAND USAGE

Utility scale solar can be sited in 0.5 MW to 2 MW blocks, which are often available relatively near to cities and load centres. Larger blocks of land are needed for the 50 MW to 200 MW-sized projects that are more cost-efficient. The U.S Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) estimates that at least 2 contiguous hectares are needed per MW for such solar projects. However, discussions with developers suggest that the NREL land estimates are slightly low and that, in practice, projects usually require as much as 10 per cent additional land to accommodate actual conditions.


Table 3 Solar Project Land Usage

PV TYPE Hectares/MW

Fixed polycrystalline 2.02

Fixed thin film 2.83

Single-axis polycrystalline 3.23

Source: NREL’s 2012 study, p. 13. Note: As the efficiencies of thin film have improved, the difference between the amount of land needed for a fixed polycrystalline solar facility and for a fixed thin film solar facility is narrowing.

In areas that have physical characteristics that make them advantageous for both wind and solar, it is theoretically possible to site these resources side by side and limit the land use but take maximum advantage of both resources. This has been proposed primarily for areas that are transmission constrained but where the two resources’ generating profiles would not generally overlap—that is, the wind blows primarily at night and solar, of course, generates exclusively during the day. The actual mechanics of controlling both resources to avoid generation overlap and line overload has so far outweighed the potential for combining their use in most situations.

3.3.2 CONSTRUCTION

Construction of a solar power site is site specific as it relates to the type, size and location of the proposed facility. In general however the construction of a typical solar power site will consist of the following phases:


• Creation of suitable access to site boundary; • Site clearance including any tree/shrub felling to allow

construction of new tracks, stripping of vegetation, top and subsoil, and creation of soil storage areas;

• Site grading. • Excavation of cable trenches and laying of electricity and

communications cables; • Construction of array foundations, central control building,

storage buildings, switchgear and metering; • Securing the PV panels onto the arrays;


• Construction of substation/grid interconnection; • Installation of monitoring equipment/meteorological station;

and • Site restoration.


Once construction is complete, the solar plant is commissioned. Commissioning involves standard tests for electrical infrastructure and the solar PV panels.

Once established, the operation and maintenance at a utility-scale PV facility is minimal. Routine maintenance includes washing the arrays to remove dust and inspecting the connections between arrays. If ground cover has been added to avoid erosion, there may be a need to monitor and cut the vegetation to avoid overgrowth and shading of the cells. Generally, facilities are fenced to limit the ability of thieves to access the facilities and steal the cabling. This is especially a consideration if copper cable is used and if that commodity is highly marketable.

More sophisticated facilities monitor the output of individual arrays to spot cell failures. Typically, facilities function with no or minimal staff on site.


The projected operational lifetime of a typical solar plant is 25 to 30 years. After this period there are two options, repowering the site and replacing the solar PV panels or decommissioning the site, removing the arrays and other major structures and reinstating the site.

Prior to decommissioning, a decommissioning method statement, detailing or how the site will be restored is usually prepared and approved by the relevant authorities.

The above ground structures would be removed manually. Footers for the arrays would be removed and the voids backfilled with appropriate materials to support the land use at that time. Underground cables and deep concrete foundations are usually left in place as removal is likely to cause more disruption than leaving them in-situ. However, if techniques exist at that time to allow sensitive removal then these will be appraised and considered. Surface vegetation or soil make-up is also to be restored. As with the turbines the electrical control building and internal equipment is removed and reused or recycled where possible.


As noted previously, the cost for solar cells has dropped dramatically over the last several years, driven primarily by reduced costs of solar cells and


resulting modules. NREL cites a Paula Mints study from 2010 showing global PV modules had decreased in price by $1.36 per watt from 2008 to 2010, but this data, showing a 1/3 cost decrease, is already dated. Table 4 shows the recent pricing trends for installed costs for each type of project. Extreme site examples are not includes.

Table 4 Estimated Installed Solar Project Costs

PV TYPE Installed Cost US $/kW

(2010)

Installed Cost US $/kW

(2011)

Fixed axis 3,800 2,790

Single axis 4,400 3,370

Source: NREL’s 2012 study, ppg. 25, 33.

In a 2012 study, NREL forecasted a decreased cost to $1.01 per watt by 2020 based on incremental improvements in efficiencies. However, developers suggest that, in some cases, module costs are close to this goal already and that solar cell costs have declined by 80 per cent. Cost of the balance-of-the system has been declining, also, but not as rapidly.


At present there is little utility-scale solar development in Kazakhstan and therefore the PV and support components industry and its associated supply chain of goods and services is poorly developed.

Silicon is the major component of PV cells and it is plentiful in Kazakhstan, as it is in many places worldwide. In January 2013, it was announced that Astana Solar had opened a PV module production plan in Astana with the ability to create PC up to 60 MW annually, with a planned expansion to 100 MW5. All of the silicon used in this plant is sourced from Kazakhstan. No other facilities are known to exist within Kazakhstan. Worldwide, there is a glut of PV cells and panels, so it is expected that importing them would not be a problem. PV cells are manufactured in neighbouring China and could be imported over land.

The other components for utility scale PV construction are aluminium and steel for racking, electronics equipment including inverters and transformers, and cabling. These are all readily available within Kazakhstan. The

5 http://www.pv-magazine.com/news/details/beitrag/kazakhstan--new-plant-opened-in-astana-as-part-of-larger-pv-project_100009718/#axzz2eVfL6fMI

http://www.pv-magazine.com/news/details/beitrag/kazakhstan--new-plant-opened-in-astana-as-part-of-larger-pv-project_100009718/#axzz2eVfL6fMI

http://www.pv-magazine.com/news/details/beitrag/kazakhstan--new-plant-opened-in-astana-as-part-of-larger-pv-project_100009718/#axzz2eVfL6fMI


technology and ability of the workforce to construct is readily available in Kazakhstan.



A detailed assessment of environmental and social constraints related to solar (and the other three RES evaluated) is provided in the SER Report. Environmental and social factors that could significantly impact the effectiveness, economic feasibility, and therefore, the siting of these facilities are addressed in Section 3.3 of this RPER. In addition, there are areas of high environmental and/or social sensitivity the proximity of which should also be strongly considered. These environmental and/or social high sensitivity areas are discussed in detail in the SER and are summarized in this section.

• Important Bird Areas/Migratory Birds - There is a potential for birds to become disoriented by reflections from solar PVs, resulting in collisions with ground-based obstacles. Therefore, the siting of solar facilities in Important Bird Areas (IBAs) or near known bird migratory routes should be avoided to the greatest extent possible. Therefore, an additional protective buffer of 5 km should be placed around IBAs. Where siting facilities within an IBA or the buffer area is unavoidable, a more detailed assessment of environmental effects and additional impact mitigation measures will be required.

• Forested Areas - Potential solar sites in forested areas would be discouraged given the relative lack of this habitat and the abundance of un-forested areas throughout the country. When siting facilities within a forested area is unavoidable, a more detailed assessment of environmental effects and additional impact mitigation measures will be required.

• Protected/Designated Lands - Potential solar sites in or near other areas afforded legal protection, including National Parks, and preserved lands would be discouraged given the relative lack of this habitat and the abundance of un-forested areas throughout the country. When siting facilities within a protected/designated area is unavoidable, additional impact mitigation measures will be required.

• Surface Water Quality - Due to clearing, grading, trenching and foundation construction for the solar power plant components, there is a potential for soil erosion during construction. Due to this potential, if solar power facilities are located within 1 km of a surface water feature (e.g., intermittent or perennial stream, lakes, or ponds), a more detailed assessment of environmental effects and additional impact mitigation measures will be required.

• Cultural heritage - Special care should be taken to avoid siting solar facilities at or within the viewshed of known or tentative UNESCO World Heritage sites due to the global uniqueness of these areas.


Special care should also be taken to avoid placing solar facilities on or near locally-registered cultural heritage sites. Given the low actual elevation of potential solar arrays and the need for generally flat terrain, the viewshed for solar arrays is somewhat limited. Therefore, a viewshed buffer of 5 km should be placed around known or tentative UNESCO and national heritage features for solar facility development. When siting facilities within a viewshed buffer is unavoidable, a more detailed assessment of environmental effects and additional impact mitigation measures will be required. Cultural heritage features themselves would be considered exclusion zones.

• Material Assets/Social - Airplane or helicopter pilots can become disoriented by potential reflection of light off solar PVs near airports. Therefore, special measures should be taken to avoid siting facilities near airports and a buffer of 5 km should be placed around airports. When siting facilities within a buffer is unavoidable, a more detailed assessment of environmental effects and additional impact mitigation measures will be required. Airports themselves would be considered exclusion zones.

• Cumulative effects – Special consideration should be given to the impact of concentrating multiple solar farms in an area with high resource soils. Potentially significant cumulative effects associated with solar are presented in Table 5. Guidance for cumulative impact assessment at the development-specific level is available for RES from a number of different sources. These will be used as required by the Project Implementation Unit to establish the methodology for specific financed projects where there are potential cumulative impacts. A list of the most recent and relevant guidance and research is provided below:

o There was no CIA guidance specific to solar facilities found. UK planning documents available at: http://planningguidance.planningportal.gov.uk/blog/guidance/renewable-and-low-carbon-energy/particular-planning-considerations-for-hydropower-active-solar-technology-solar-farms-and-wind-turbines/ indicate that the methodology would be the same as that applied to wind farms.

o Some limited guidance on cumulative impacts associated with visual and landscape effects is provided in: Land Use Consultants, “ An Assessment of the Landscape Sensitivity to On-shore Wind Energy and Photovoltaic Development in Cornwall, Annex 4: Guidance on the Cumulative Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment of Multiple On-shore Wind Energy Developments and Solar PV Developments, prepared for Cornwall Council, April 2011. Available at:

http://planningguidance.planningportal.gov.uk/blog/guidance/renewable-and-low-carbon-energy/particular-planning-considerations-for-hydropower-active-solar-technology-solar-farms-and-wind-turbines/





http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/idoc.ashx?docid=c993ec47-8c8b-4545-9fba-cd719c7b078d&version=-1




Table 5 Cumulative effect issues associated with solar power generation and mitigation measures


Geographic Boundary


SOLAR

Cumulative loss of agricultural output from facility development

High value soils

Extent of mapped high value soils

Project construction until demobilisation

Regional land planning measures to limit the siting of locations in high value soil areas.



Solar projects funded under KazREFF will be subject to the following environmental and social requirements, as stipulated by EBRD:

















Due to the relatively small scale of the potential KazREFF projects, most would likely fall under Category B, as the potential adverse environmental and/or social effects that they may give rise to are typically site-specific, and/or readily identified and addressed through mitigation measures. However, the siting of solar power facilities within or near sensitive/protected areas or in situations where impacts could be more severe may result in these being classified as Category A projects. This determination is made by EBRD and KazREFF in the initial project phases.

5.1.1 CATEGORY A



required).



5.1.2 CATEGORY B






























Based on additional guidance provided in the RoK EIA regulations, it is likely that solar power projects (and in fact, all RES projects) would be considered Category II and would require Category II EIA/OVOS documentation. However, the siting of solar power facilities within or near sensitive/protected areas may result in these being classified as Category I projects. This determination is made by MoE at the preliminary EIA stage.

The OVOS process was evaluated against EBRD Environmental and Performance Standards to identify gaps areas that may not be satisfied by the OVOS process. This gap analysis is provided in Appendix A.





• Ensure that projects are technically feasible (part of technical due diligence)






The appraisal process includes an initial screening of the project proposal against the criteria presented in this RPER, the SER report, and consideration of key environmental and social issues. This initial screening is conducted after the project proponent completes the Environmental and Social Issues Checklist – Solar provided in Appendix B. This checklist includes identification of key environmental and social issues related to solar (and cumulative impacts) and is reviewed by KazREFF’s environmental and social review team. Based on the review of the checklist, the project’s EBRD category will be determined and specific documentation requirements will be communicated to the project proponent.




Templates for the typical documents expected to support solar projects (under Category B) are provided in Appendix C and include templates for the NTS (Appendix C.1), the SEP (Appendix C.2), and the ESAP (Appendix C.3). If a project is determined to be a Category A project, an ESIA would be required. Due to the very specialized nature of an ESIA, an ESIA template has not been provided. However, information in the SER report will be extremely useful to identify information necessary for the preparation of these documents. The information in the SER identifying the environmental baseline, the anticipated effects, and mitigation strategies should also be very useful to inform the Kazakh EIA.








6.0 APPENDICES

A – Gaps between EBRD PR for ESIA and Kazakhstan EIA Requirements

B – Environmental and Social Issues Checklist - Solar




C.3 – Environmental and Social Action Plan (ESAP) – Solar







Gap




None



None




Gap




None




Gap




None




Gap








None




Gap








None




Gap





None








None




Gap










Gap






None










Gap


procedure.


Kazakhstan Renewable Energy Financing Facility (KazREFF) - Strategic Environmental Review Appendix B – Environmental and Social Issues Checklist - Solar






PROJECT NAME:


Company Name:

Company Address:

Country:

Town/Location:



Name:

Title: Date:

Telephone:

Mobile:

E-mail:


Title: Date:



COMPANY PROFILE


B) Year of foundation: __________________________ C) Sector of operation and main products: __________________________________________________________________________________

D) Describe the main activities of the Company and its holdings including any solar photovoltaic or other renewable energy projects (include a



Start of construction (planned date) Start of operation (planned date) Installed capacity (MW) Annual net generation (MWh) Type of solar photovoltaic panels (eg fixed tilt or axis-tracking; crystalline or thin-film?) Are data on solar irradiation available (yes/no) Solar irradiation measuring period (start date / end date) Daily average of solar irradiation at Project site (kWh/m2) Distance to interconnection grid (km): Voltage level of interconnection grid (kV): Voltage level of overhead line to interconnection point (kV): Land area required (m2)


yes no







1. Describe the Project and provide a map showing its components, including the solar panel infrastructure (photovoltaic modules, inverters, racking transformer and sub-station (and approximate layout)), roads, transmission lines, grid connections and other required facilities.

2. How were environmental and social issues incorporated into the siting and design optimisation process (see also questions under PR1 and PR6 below)? 2.1 What studies have been completed relating to potential impacts on local communities and other land-users?

3. Solar resource issues – please describe: 3.1 Understanding of the operational regime for each facility and for operations in tandem; 3.2 Solar resource measurements and other meteorological data and monitoring information;





Yes: No:


1.b Has an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Yes: No:



(ESIA) been completed for this Project? If yes, please summarise the conclusions of the ESIA, including required/recommended mitigation, and send a copy/summary:


Yes: No:



Yes: No:



Yes: No:





Yes: No:




1.j Who is responsible for environmental management at the Company?

Name/title:

Phone/mobile:

Email:




Name/title:

Phone/mobile:

Email:


Name/title:

Phone/mobile:

Email:


Name/title:

Phone/mobile:

Email:


Yes: No:


Yes: No:


Yes: No:



Yes: No:



Yes: No:



1.n Will the Company use contractors during the construction and/or operational phases of the Project?

Yes No


1.o Are prospective contractors required to submit environmental, health and safety, and/or labour

Yes No



information with bid documents (that is, do solicitations for proposals require such information)?


Yes No



Yes: No:





Name/title

Phone/mobile:

Email:


Yes: No:


Yes: No:


Yes: No:



Yes: No:



Yes: No:





Yes: No:



Yes: No:



Number:



Yes: No:



Yes: No:



Yes: No:



Yes: No:




Does the Company apply any restrictions to the tasks that can be done by younger workers?

Yes: No:



Yes: No:

Does the Company retain any identity documentation Yes: No:



from the employees? If yes, please explain which documents and why:






Yes: No:



Yes: No:



Yes: No:






2.q Will there be employment opportunities for local stakeholders?

Yes: No:

If yes, please describe these opportunities:





What proportion of managers and skilled workers are Near-by areas: Within the Country:



expected to be recruited from nearby areas? From the country?



Name/title:

Phone/mobile:

Email:


Yes:

No:



Yes:

No:



Yes: No:


Yes: No:


Yes: No:

2.u Is there a current Health & Safety Action Plan for the Company?

Yes: No:

If yes, please provide a copy of the latest update.

Do project-specific health and safety plans (typically) go

Yes: No:





Yes: No:



Yes: No:



Yes: No:



Yes: No:






Yes: No:



Yes: No:



3.c Which agencies and authorities will be primarily responsible for overseeing environmental performance



of the Project?

Air Emissions





Water Use












Yes: No:



3.j What are the types and quantities of solid wastes



produced by the Company?



Yes: No:



Yes: No:



Yes: No:





Yes: No:



Yes: No:



Yes No


How much of each?



4.a How far are the nearest villages/towns/cities from the Please describe and include a map:



Project site?



Yes: No:





Yes: No:



Yes: No:




Yes: No:








Yes: No:

Name:

Title:

Phone/mobile:

Email:


Yes: No:





Yes: No:



Yes: No:




Yes: No:


Yes: No:


5.f Will the Company acquire land and/or pay for Yes: No:



temporarily using it? If yes, how much land will be acquired and/or require payments for use?






Yes: No:



Yes: No:









6.b Does the site provide habitat for any protected or sensitive species of plants or animals?

Yes: No:



6.d Which habitat areas/species would be impacted by ancillary works, transmission lines, construction access



roads, other construction activities etc?


Yes: No:



Yes: No:







Yes: No:



Yes: No:



Yes: No:



Yes: No:









Yes: No:

Name:

Title:

Phone/mobile:

Email:


Yes: No:



Yes: No:



Yes: No:



Yes: No:


10.g Does the Company have plans to implement community development activities (e.g. is there a corporate social responsibility plan)?

Yes: No:






DATE


P

CONTENTS


1 Introduction 66




7.0 Introduction








XXXX (add details)


XXXX (add details)






Address:

Phone:

Email:












Key Features


XXX – add details










Water Supply


Noise

Waste Management

Cultural Heritage

Tourism

Visual Landscape

Socio-economics

Traffic Management




Others…

Contents


Prepared for:



CONTENTS


1 Introduction 73

1.1 Background 73


















6 Timetable 82




10.0 Introduction
































































Proposed Media




Company website??

www.kazreff.com ??


XXX For example…


XXX

Unions:

• XXX

XXX For example…


XXX






Proposed Media




Radio: XXX

Company website??

www.kazreff.com ??




XXX


with the Institute

XXX




XXX




- Meetings

XXX




Company website??

www.kazreff.com ??

Others..

http://www.kazreff.com/











15.0 Timetable




XXX XXX XXX

XXX XXX XXX



XXX

Before construction



XXX




XXX




XXX

After construction


• XXX








– XXX










XXX

Company: XXX

Postal Address: XXX

Telephone: XXX

E-mail address: XXX

Hotline: XXX




Full Name




� By Telephone: _______________________________________________

� By E-mail _______________________________________________





Signature: _______________________________

Date: _______________________________


Address __________________________: Tel.: _________

or E-mail: ___

CONTENTS


DATE

Kazakhstan Renewable Energy Financing Facility (KazREFF) PROJECT NAME Environmental and Social Action Plan - Solar Photovoltaic

Prepared for:

CONTENTS





1.3 ESAP for solar photovoltaic projects 90


PROJECT OVERVIEW

– PROJECT APPROACH To encourage businesses to pursue sustainable energy projects, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has launched the Kazakhstan Renewable Energy Financing Facility (KazREFF). KazREFF aims to ‘provide development support and debt finance to renewable energy projects which meet required commercial, technical and environmental standards’. KazREFF not only provides tailor-made financing, but also provides technical assistance for businesses and local authorities based on information gathered and analysed by stakeholders to promote projects that are often challenging to finance and implement.



– SCOPE OF THIS ESAP This ESAP is for the solar photovoltaic renewable energy scenario; It includes a series of actions to be undertaken in order to manage – that is, to plan and implement specific measures to avoid, reduce, control, or otherwise mitigate – potential environmental, occupational health and safety, and social impacts during construction and operation9. This ESAP should be considered as a template which will be reviewed and amended by project proponents who wish to develop specific solar photovoltaic projects funded by KazREFF in the future; and will be part of the contract between the project developer and EBRD. It is envisaged that EBRD will require performance of the required actions to be regularly reported and that it will periodically monitor implementation of the ESAP.


9 For purposes of this ESAP, “construction” includes all actions in the field to construct the project, including support and ancillary facilities such as construction camps, roads, temporary or permanent buildings, staging areas, etc. “Operation” means routine and non-routine operation and maintenance and support facilities, and “project performance” includes the entire period of construction and operation.






– ESAP FOR SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC PROJECTS


etc.)









PR1




PR1




PR1








PR1



- Include in ESHS report information



etc.)



- Procedures for proper handling of all waste generated at the construction or operational site (including hazardous and non-hazardous waste);




on plan preparation and waste management compliance status





- Contractor reports on performance sufficient to allow inclusion of data in ESHS reports to the Bank, and to allow developer to


PR1





- Training




etc.)



determine if corrective actions are needed; and,




PR1












- mandatory medical checks for new hires;






etc.)



and,


Update system/policies as necessary to ensure compliance.











PR2






PR2


Throughout construction and



- Include in ESHS reports to Bank data



etc.)



- Job- and task-specific hazard analysis and controls for developer and contractor’s activities;






operation. on performance by developer and contractors (hours worked, accidents, lost time, etc.).



PR2


Compliance



3.1 Implement mitigation measures and best management practices to prevent / reduce / control air pollution from fugitive dust and vehicle / equipment emissions.

- Control dust emissions in dry periods by using water or other dust suppression methods on roads and construction areas that may generate dust;


PR3





etc.)



- Ensure efficient usage of delivery vehicles; including use of alternative and/or more efficient delivery methods (including for example rail, boat) during construction to optimise the emissions to atmosphere per payload;




3.2 Develop erosion, sediment and water quality control plan for all areas where the ground will be disturbed during construction. Plan should (at a minimum):



- Keep stockpiles covered, minimise bare


PR3






etc.)



ground near rivers;

- Store hazardous and potentially polluting materials in bunded, secure, areas away from watercourse and pathways to watercourses (e.g. drains, ditches);


- Silt collected in any device or structure should be cleaned away regularly;


- Particular attention should be given to avoiding steep slopes and implementing erosion control measures, and promptly re-vegetating cleared land with appropriate native species.





- Educate drivers and equipment operators in


PR3





etc.)



proper fuel management, including clean-up of spills; and,

- Make spill kits available, and use if necessary to clean up oil spills etc before contaminants can enter the ground or watercourses.



PR3



3.5 Developer to ensure that the project team has a high level of preparedness for emergencies (such as earthquakes and major dam failures where applicable) and that an appropriate emergency plans is in place and understood by developer and contractor staff. Include the local community in the emergency plan.


PR3 PR4








PR3




3.7 Develop reinstatement plans for working areas including for the re-vegetation of areas cleared

Best international Planning prior to construction and

Working areas reinstated with native vegetation where appropriate and as



etc.)



prior to, or during, construction.

Given the requirement for keeping solar panels clear of vegetation and easily maintained, it is likely that, when operational, the areas directly under solar panels will not be substantially re-vegetated. However, areas outside of those directly used for the panels should be reinstated.

practices.

PR3

implementation following construction.

soon as practicable following construction (it is recognised that could take a number of months or in some cases years).




- Soil erosion across the working area.


PR3 PR4






- Methods to identify and prevent spread of


- Public notices

- Security training




etc.)



those communicable diseases that can be transmitted by the project components or its workforce (including contractors);









- Establish and enforce strict speed limits on-


- PR4






etc.)



and off-site;


- Identify and implement measures to reduce construction traffic where possible, for example through car sharing and use of bicycles etc.



- Proper siting of development and access routes to avoid close proximity to sensitive noise receptors (e.g. residences, hospitals and schools);


- Controls on type of construction and maintenance plant/vehicles;

- Controls on type of delivery vehicles used, routes used for deliveries and timing of deliveries; and,

- Noise screening of works during



Robust baseline





etc.)



construction.





4.5 Avoid or mitigate for visual impact of glint (which occurs when the sunlight strikes a solar panel at a particular angle) through careful siting to avoid sensitive receptors.





PR5 PR4



5.2 If displacement is unavoidable, plan to improve or, at a minimum, restore the livelihoods and standards of living of any displaced persons to pre-project levels. Displaced persons could include those who have legally recognisable rights or claims to the land, those with customary clams to the land, those with no legally recognisable rights or clams to the land, seasonal resource users such as herders/fishing families, hunter and gathers who may have interdependent economic relations with communities located within the project area.

PR5 PR4





etc.)











However, it is envisaged that for solar photovoltaic development surveys will particularly be needed for the following:

- Terrestrial flora (including protected habitats);

- Birds (in particular implications of land take on potential nesting and foraging habitats);

- Wide-ranging mammals (including, bats, otter, brown bear, bison, lynx and wildcat); and,


PR6




etc.)



- Where appropriate, other terrestrial fauna (such as reptiles and invertebrates).




- Avoid, or mitigate for, siting of solar photovoltaic panels or associated transmission lines in areas recognised as important for bird nesting or foraging;

- Avoid, or mitigate for, siting solar photovoltaic panels or associated structures in areas recognised as important for bat roosting and/or foraging;

- Mitigation for potential light disturbance to bats and other nocturnal species;

- Identify and avoid or mitigate for project impacts upon species utilising key crossing points (crossing roads, transmission lines, etc). Mitigation may include, for example, such inclusions as aerial bat crossings, mammal underpasses, speed restricted crossing points and fencing, and / or


PR6





etc.)



restrictions upon vehicle movements during key migratory periods or times of day.

6.3 Following construction, re-grade and re-vegetate as much disturbed area as is practicable with native grass and shrub species (it is noted that it will not be possible to fully re-vegetate in areas directly under, or surrounding, solar panels).


PR6


6.4 Avoid development within sites protected for their biodiversity under international or Kazakhstan law (habitats and/or species)


PR6


6.5 Avoid, or mitigate for, siting of development in areas important for nature tourism


PR6





8.2 Develop measures to avoid direct impacts on protected cultural heritage sites and their settings (including UNESCO sites and those on the tentative list); and avoid, or where necessary mitigate for, impacts upon Registered Cultural Heritage Sites, Zones and Settlements, and unregistered or previously undiscovered sites by following a staged approach to cultural heritage





etc.)



studies involving qualified expertise and in consultation with the EBRD.









8.6 Undertake a Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) of the project, including consideration of the potential visual impacts of the solar photovoltaic panels and associated infrastructure from all relevant viewing angles when considering locations.


PR8


8.7 Develop a Landscape Protection Plan following the LVIA. Follow the Mitigation Hierarchy: to Avoid, Minimise, Mitigate and Offset likely adverse effects upon the natural features and landscapes that have archaeological, paleontological, historical, architectural, religious, aesthetic or other cultural significance. This plan to cover the construction and operational phases and to consider the inclusion


PR8




etc.)



of the following aspects where applicable:


- Sensitive placement and route placement of power transmission lines, access roads and other associated work; and,

- Routing of roads and transmission lines along existing cuttings or linear features to reduce on setting.













- details on grievances and resolution;



etc.)



and,

- consultations and other outreach to the community, including authorities


Consultancy Contract C26157REV/JPNS-2013-02-01 Kazakhstan Renewable Energy Financing Facility (KazREFF) - Strategic Environmental Review Renewable Project Environmental Review Report – Small Scale Hydropower June 2014 ERM Japan Ltd. The Landmark Tower Yokohama 19th Floor, 2-2-1 Minatomirai, Nishi-ku YOKOHAMA 220-8119 Japan

Prepared For:

Contents

1.0 INTRODUCTION 4



2.1.1 Rivers and Watersheds 7

2.1.2 Lakes and Dams 9

2.1.3 SSH resources 10








3.1 TYPES OF SSH 21

3.1.1 Run-of-River 21

3.1.2 Water Storage (Reservoir) 22

3.1.3 Pumped storage 23

3.1.4 Rehabilitation of Existing Hydropower Plants 25

3.2 COMPONENTS 26

3.2.1 Dams, diversions and impoudments (reservoirs) 26

3.2.2 Turbine 27

3.2.3 Generator 28

3.2.4 Powerhouse 28

3.2.5 Penstock 29

3.2.6 Intake 29

3.2.7 Draft Tube and Tailrace 29

3.2.8 Automation System 29

3.2.9 Balance of Plant and Equipment 30

3.2.10 Access Roads 30











5.1.1 Category A 40

5.1.2 Category B 41





6.0 APPENDICES 46

ERM 4 KasREFF SER RPER SSH – June 2014

1.0 INTRODUCTION

This Renewable Project Environmental Review (RPER) Report for Small Scale Hydropower in Kazakhstan is one of four separate reports (other RPER reports were prepared for solar photovoltaic, wind, and biogas) that have been prepared by Environmental Recourses Management (ERM) for the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). These RPER reports are prepared to support the Kazakhstan Renewable Energy Financing Facility (KazREFF) Strategic Environmental Review (SER) and provide a resource to provide guidance to developers and their consultants, as well as technical evaluators of proposed renewable projects, by identifying areas of good potential and the nature and scale of technologies that can be applied in different parts of Kazakhstan.

Small scale hydroelectric projects (SSH) are defined by the Republic of Kazakhstan as those with nameplate capacities less than or equal to 35 MW (AF-Mercados EMI, 2013).




• Mercados Energy Markets International, Kazakhstan Renewable Energy Market Study, Draft Final Report, July 2013 (ÅF-Mercados EMI (2013));

• Black and Veatch, Renewable Energy in Ukraine Technical Report: Small Hydro, 1 September 2011 (Black and Veatch 2011).




This section of the report identifies the characteristics of the areas of Kazakhstan that would support small scale hydropower projects and defines the areas were SSH development is technically feasible. It also assesses the nature and extent of constraints to SSH development.


Kazakhstan is the world’s ninth largest country being some 2.7 million km2 in extent. Figure 1 shows the different oblasts of Kazakhstan. The western regions are dominated by extensive lowlands that include Aral and Caspian Seas, while the centre of the country is characterised by rolling hills with peaks up to 1,565 m. The south eastern and south western parts of the country are bordered by mountain ranges. Approximately 10 per cent of the country is occupied by mountains (Figure 2).




About 90 per cent of the Kazakhstan is arid with low humidity, high evaporation, and limited water resources. Water availability is estimated at 20,0001 – 37,0002 m3/km2 and is one of the lowest in Eurasia. Low water availability is a limiting factor for natural and land resources development (T.T. Sarsenbekov, S.K. Ahmetov). Kazakhstan has scarce water resources in comparison with the republics of the European and Siberian parts of the CIS, but it is higher than the Central Asian states. The total annual average surface water river resource is 100.53 km3.

The per capita water supply of Kazakhstan is approximately 6,000 m3 per person per year (UNEP/GRID-Arendal, 2005). Comparison of water resources across a range of years shows a strong water deficit both country-wide and regionally. The water resource deficit under average conditions reaches 60 per cent, and by separate regions (the Central Kazakhstan) only 50-10 per cent, and the deficit is due to irrigation. An especially critical situation is in the basins of transboundary rivers of Syr-Darya (1.2-3.5 km3), Urals (up to 1.7 km3), Ili, Shu, and Talas. The southern regions were the best provided regions.

The water resource deficit is driven by natural conditions (90 per cent of the runoff takes place during the spring period), formation of about half of the flow (56.5 km3) on the territory of neighbouring countries, extensive use, excessive unrecoverable water consumption for irrigation, and water losses.

1 Sarsenbekov and Ahmetov, undated. 2 UNEP/GRID-Arendal, 2005. 3 http://enrin.grida.no/htmls/kazahst/soe2/soee/nav/water/water.htm

http://enrin.grida.no/htmls/kazahst/soe2/soee/nav/water/water.htm


In addition, the surface water resources in the republic are distributed extremely unevenly and are subject to considerable time (monthly, seasonal) fluctuations.

A key difficulty is a reduction of the quantity and decline of the lake system condition. In addition to water storage, these resources provide natural regulation for water balance and suitable environments for ichthyofauna and ornithofauna habitat. In the last 15 years in Northern Kazakhstan, the lake areas have shrunk by 12 per cent.

2.1.1 RIVERS AND WATERSHEDS

Kazakhstan’s surface water resources consist of four major hydrologic regions, which encompass collections of river basins: 1) the Ob river region draining to the Arctic Ocean, 2) the Caspian Sea region, 3) the Aral Sea region, and 4) internal lakes, depressions or deserts region. Further Divisions are eight Basins Waterworks Departments (BWD) established by the Republic of Kazakhstan to manage water resources. Table 1 summarizes the primary river basins of Kazakhstan and the comparison to the BWDs, which are shown in Figure 3.

Table 1 River basin summaries

ADB Basin Syr Darya Lake Balkhash

Chu-Talas Ob-Irtysh Ural

Kazakhstan Basin Waterworks Department

Aral-Syr-Darya

Lake Balkash - Alakol

Chu (Shu)-Talas Irtysh, Ishim, Tobol-Turgai, Nura-Sarysu

Aral-Syr-Darya; Ural Caspii

Central Asian countries in basin

Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan

Kazakhstan Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic

Kazakhstan Kazakhstan

Source Naryn and Karadarya rivers

Ili, Karatal, Aksu, Lepsi, Chu-Sarysu, Kapal, Koksu rivers

Chu River, fed mainly by glaciers and melting snow; and Talas River, formed by the confluence of the Karakol and Uchkosha rivers.

Irtysh River tributary of the Ob); Tobol and Ishim (tributaries of the Irtysh River).

Ural River

Discharge to Aral Sea Lake Balkhash

Desert sink Arctic Ocean Caspian Sea


Basin area (km2)

782,617 512,015 Chu: 62,500; Talas: 52,700;

Total: 115,200

1,673,470 244,334

Share of irrigated cropland (% of basin area)

5.4 1.9 Chu 3.0, Talas: 3.0

Total: 6.0

3 0.9

Source: excerpt from ADB, 2010

Figure 3 Primary river basins of Kazakhstan

Source: United Nations Development Programme in Kazakhstan

There are approximately 39,000 rivers and streams, 7,000 of which are over 10 km long. Surface water resources are extremely unevenly distributed within the country and are marked by significant perennial and seasonal dynamics. Except for the Tobol, Ishim, and Irtysh rivers (the Kazak names for which are, respectively, Tobyl, Esil, and Ertis), portions of which flow through Kazakhstan, all of Kazakhstan's rivers and streams are part of landlocked systems. They either flow into isolated bodies of water such as the Caspian Sea or simply disappear into the steppes and deserts of central and southern Kazakhstan. Many rivers, streams, and lakes are seasonal, evaporating in summer. The three largest bodies of water are Lake Balkhash, a partially fresh, partially saline lake in the east, near Almaty, and the Caspian and Aral Seas, both of which lie partially within Kazakhstan (Wikipedia, accessed July 2013). Central Kazakhstan has only 3 per cent of total water resources in the country. The western and southwestern regions (Atyrau, Qyzylorda and in


particular Mangystau region) are significantly water deficit; there is hardly any fresh water. The Balkhash-Alakol and Irtysh (Ertis) river basins in the east and northeast account for almost 75 per cent of surface water resources generated within the country. About 90 per cent of the runoff occurs in spring, exceeding reservoir storage capacity (UNDP, 2003).

2.1.2 LAKES AND DAMS

The Caspian Sea is the largest lake in the world. Its level currently varies significantly. During the 1990s, the Caspian Sea level rose by about 2 m, which resulted in waterlogging of towns and villages, and the loss of agricultural land. On the other hand, the level and volume of the Aral Sea has dramatically decreased, mainly because of irrigation development upstream. This has resulted in environmental problems, which have been tentatively addressed by the Central Asia Interstate Commission for Water Coordination (ICWC).

Excluding the Caspian and Aral seas, there are 48,262 lakes, ponds and reservoirs that cover 45,000 km2 with an estimated volume of water 190 km3. The number of small lakes, with a surface area of less than 1 km2, accounts for 94 per cent of these lakes but only 10 per cent of the total area. There are 3,014 large lakes that have a surface area of more than 1 km2, with a total surface area of 40,800 km2, including 21 lakes that are over 100 km2 with a total surface area of 26,900 km2, or 59 per cent of the total; 45 per cent of all lakes are in the north, 36 per cent in the center and south and 19 per cent in other regions (UNDP, 2003). The largest lakes are: Lake Balkhash, 18,000 km2, volume 112 km3; Lake Zaisan about 5,500 km2; and Lake Tengiz, with an area of 1,590 km2. The main natural depression is the Arnasay depression where Lake Aydarkul, with a capacity of 30 km3, was created artificially with water released from the Chardarya reservoir and with the return flow from the Hunger steppe irrigated land, which is shared with Uzbekistan.

Kazakhstan is dominated by vast desert plains and high mountain ranges to the east of the plains, which create particularities in the normal water cycle where glaciers play an important role, being the only freshwater reservoirs. The majority of glaciers are located in the south and east at more than 4,000 m above sea level. There are 2,724 glaciers covering 1,963 km2. The glaciers contain 95 km3 of water, which is almost equal to the annual flow of all rivers in the country (UNDP, 2003).

More than 200 water reservoirs have been constructed, for a total capacity of 95.5 km3, not counting ponds, small reservoirs and seasonally regulated reservoirs (UNDP, 2003). There are 19 large reservoirs, with a capacity of over 0.1 km3 each, accounting for 95 per cent of total capacity. Most reservoirs are designed for seasonal flow regulation, only about 20 reservoirs are regulated year-round. The largest reservoirs, with a capacity of over 1 km3 are Bukhtarma on the Irtysh River, with a total capacity of 49.6 km3,


Kapshagay on the Ili River in the Balkhash basin with 18.6 km3, Chardarya on the Syr-Darya River at the border with Uzbekistan with 5.2 km3, Shulba on the Irtysh River with 2.4 km3. Most are multipurpose: hydropower production, irrigation and flood control. The reservoirs in the eastern and southeastern regions are mainly used for agriculture and in the central, northern and western regions for drinking water and industry. Bukhtarma, Shulba, Kapshagay and Chardarya are all connected to hydroelectric power stations to generate electricity (UNDP, 2003 and 2004).

Reservoir capacity in the Irtysh river basin is the largest in Kazakhstan. Besides the Bukhtarma and Shulba, an additional reservoir has been constructed on the Irtysh River, the Ust-Kamenogorsk reservoir, total capacity 0.7 km3, which regulates the river’s flow (UNDP, 2004).

2.1.3 SSH RESOURCES

Kazakhstan appears to have significant SSH potential albeit somewhat restricted to the more mountainous and forest steppe regions of the country based on the two key elements of water availability and the usefulness of that water in space and time relative to the practical considerations of energy demand timing and demand centres. According to the Ministry of Environmental Protection of the Republic of Kazakhstan (MEP) and other sources, the most significant hydro resources are concentrated in the East and South regions of the country on rivers Irtysh, Ili and Syrdarya.

Favourable regions include the area beginning in the northeast adjacent to the Russian border and following the eastern and south-eastern borders along China and Kyrgyzstan. Based on ERM’s analysis presented below, there may also some hydro potential in the northwest region of Kazakhstan in the Ural-Caspii River Basin. The climate, hydrology, and geography of the inner expanses of the country do not readily lend themselves to hydropower development although there may be occasional opportunities associated with multi-purpose projects. Figure 4 shows these areas of greatest SSH potential.


Figure 4 Areas of significant SSH potential in Kazakhstan


In addition, ERM developed a simple methodology for evaluating hydro potential for sample riverine locations associated with known river flow gauges. The first step was to establish the typical grade or slope and potential elevation difference that may be available as net head or stage difference at each gauge. This was accomplished by considering elevation differences based on data acquired from the digital elevation models (DEMs). Elevations were assessed at 5 km upstream and 5 km downstream of the known gauge. The difference in these elevations was assumed to be the potential available head. A flow-duration curve was prepared for each gauge. The flow at 20 per cent exceedance was utilized to establish the theoretical turbine capacity for a hypothetical project and then energy for each 5per cent increment in exceedance from the flow-duration curve was calculated to roughly establish the overall energy available from the system based on the assumed criteria. No attempt was made to optimize the potential power either in terms of number of units, size of units, or types of runners. The capacity factor for the system was then determined by taking the calculated energy divided by the theoretical maximum energy. This approach provides a coarse determination of potential for hydro from these gauge locations.

The analysis indicated a total energy and power potential of approximately 314 GWhs of energy and 57 MWs of capacity for these 8 gauges as presented in Table 2. These preliminary estimates are based on run-of-river type operations with no consideration for storage. Capacity factors ranged from 41 per cent to 69 per cent which are well within the range of capacity factors for viable hydropower projects. Based on flow-duration curves developed from each gauge, there is sufficient potential energy to warrant an investigation as to probable hydropower development in certain regions as identified and ranked in Table 3. A simplified ranking of rivers based on a limited review of gauge data indicates that the Chu-Talas, Irtysh, Aral-Syr-Darya, and Ural-Caspii basins have the highest potential for hydro development. The Chu and Ural Rivers produce the largest capacity and highest energy opportunities based on this limited analysis. It is important to note that more up to date flow information should be considered and evaluated prior to any decisions regarding these rankings.

Table 2 Energy estimate summary - eight gauges

Gauge River

Energy (GWh)

Average flow

(m3/s)

Estimated head (m)

Capacity factor

Basin Location; landform region

Chu 84.31 68.6 18 69 % Chu (Shu)-Talas

Southern Kazakhstan; mountain/desert interface

Ilek 1.71 15.2 7 44 % Ural-Caspii

Northwest Kazakhstan; steppe

Ishim 32.83 38.6 42 41 % Irtysh North-central


Kazakhstan; forest steppe

Karatal 19.16 55.8 6 60 % Balkash-Alakol

Southeastern Kazakhstan; Mountain/desert interface

Karaturgay 0.30 9.1 3 48 % Tobol-Turgai

Central Kazakhstan; steppe

Nura 6.80 11.1 18 42 % Nura-Sarysu

North-central Kazakhstan; steppe

Syr-Darya 32.72 547.5 1 62 % Aral-Syr-Darya

(Mainstem river) south-central Kazakhstan; desert

Ural 83.83 297.8 8 44 % Ural-Caspii

(Mainstem river) Northwest Kazakhstan; steppe

Table 3 Relative ranking of hydropower potential (1 = highest, 8 = lowest)

Gauge River

Energy Flow Head Capacity factor

Rank Sum Basin

Chu 1 3 3 1 8 Chu (Shu)-Talas

Ural 2 2 4 5 13 Ural-Caspii

Syr-Darya 4 1 8 2 15 Aral-Syr-Darya

Ishim 3 5 1 8 17 Irtysh

Karatal 5 4 6 3 18 Balkash-Alakol

Nura 6 7 2 7 22 Nura-Sarysu

Ilek 7 6 5 6 24 Ural-Caspii

Karaturgay 8 8 7 4 27 Tobol-Turgai


Due to Kazakhstan’s hydropower potential and the increased demand for electricity in the country, the RoK government issued a series of actions and targets for the hydropower development. “The Action Plan for development of alternative and renewable energy in Kazakhstan for 2013-2020 (herein after called “Action Plan”)” was issued in 2013. The Action Plan calls for the


implantation of 31 RES facilities with 1,040 MW total capacity by 2020 with 14 hydropower stations totalling a capacity of 170 MW (includes large and small scale hydropower).

The second plan, the “CONCEPT for transition of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Green Economy (herein after called “CONCEPT”)” was approved by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan in May 2013 and integrated scenarios for power sector development from 2030 and 2050. This plan calls for a total hydropower capacity (including large and small scale hydropower) of 4 GW by 2030 through 2050. Given that Kazakhstan is currently generating approximately 3 GW from hydropower, the plan is calling for the development of an additional 1 GW by 2030.

Kazakhstan has very large coal, oil, gas and uranium resources that are all being actively exploited. The country is the third largest producer of crude oil in Central Asia, behind Russia and China and has the third largest reserves outside of the OPEC member countries. One result of the abundance of energy resources has been the lack of a driver for developing hydroelectric energy on the basis of a scarcity of indigenous energy resources. Nevertheless, other drivers needed to be (and were) identified such as the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, to strengthen local power supply and to act as an economic stimulus4.


To realise the SSH potential of Kazakhstan, specific locations will need to be in proximity to existing transmission lines and the existing electricity grid will need to have adequate capacity to receive the power generated. Sites that are situated a great distance from load centres or major transmission lines face greater development costs and are generally less favourable than sites with better access to these facilities. Larger projects are able to locate farther away from transmission while smaller projects are located closer to transmission, due to economies of scale of larger projects to absorb higher transmission costs5.


The grid in Kazakhstan is state-owned and operated by the Kazakhstan Electricity Grid Operating Company (KEGOC). There are also 21 regional energy companies (RECs) that distribute electricity on a regional monopoly basis. Due to the size of Kazakhstan the network is characterised by long distance transmission. The Kazakhstan transmission network dates back to the Soviet era and has a history of underinvestment. However at present it

4 Lessons learnt from the UNDP-GEF project “Kazakhstan — Wind Power Market Development Initiative, UNDP Kazakhstan, 2011. 5 Black & Veatch 2011


has sufficient capacity and no voltage problems. The majority of the population is connected to the grid, less than 5 per cent of the population, located primarily in rural areas, are without electricity. However, in some areas power cuts or discontinuous supply are not uncommon due to grid capacity issues and a lack of local generation facilities. In addition, in some regions the industrial base has expanded and investment in power infrastructure has failed to keep pace. Figure 5 shows the areas of greatest population density and domestic energy demand in Kazakhstan.








The proximity of existing transmission lines to areas of high SSH potential creates conditions that favour the successful integration of SSH development in Kazakhstan. In particular developing SSH projects in the south could help solve the problem of the overload of the north-south transmission lines. The northern zone has an excess of generation, but development would still be an advantage in order to reduce the power imports from neighbouring Russia. The western grid operates separately and currently has a load shortage of about 100 MW, which is also covered by power import from Russia. Unfortunately, it does not appear that there is significant SSH development potential in this part of the grid that could reliance on imports from Russia.

95

90

390480

700

1173

658

1720

1180

160

1020

1020

860

160

1620

348

1862

337 1823160

8501609

209700

3195

320



Information published by the Design Research Institute “Kazgidro” LLP was available to provide a general assessment of the SSH potential in Kazakhstan. This information, along with grid capacity information, is presented in Table 4.

Table 4 SSH Potential and Grid Capacity in Kazakhstan

Region Subregion SSH Potential a

(MW)

Sum SSH Potential for

Region

Grid capacity b

(MW)

West West Kazakhstan 0

0 601 Atyrau 0 Mangystau 0

South

Qyzylorda 142

1230 718 South Kazakhstan 142

Jambyl 134 Almaty 812

North

Aqtobe 3

411 2,708

Kostanay 3 North Kazakhstan 0

Aqmola 3 Pavlodar 0

Qaraghandy 3 East Kazakhstan 399

TOTAL 1,641 4,027

a Design Research Institute “Kazgidro LLP” b Based on expert judgement, taking 20 per cent of installed capacity as the guiding rule of thumb. Source: Åf-Mercados EMI (2013)


Table 4 also provides an overview of the distribution of SSH power in Kazakhstan and the grid capacity by region.

The table shows that there is little SSH potential in the West grid and ample capacity; therefore, any SSH development in this part of the grid could be installed with little adverse impact. Additional the North grid could accommodate the entire potential for SSH development. Development of SSH in the South grid area, which also has the greatest potential, is constrained by the grid capacity. Based on this information, only approximately 60 per cent of SSH potential could be connected to the grid in its current state. In order for Kazakhstan to achieve its entire potential for SSH development the South grid would require upgrading. However, the proposed target of generating an additional 1,000 MW by hydropower, including SSH, generated by 2030 are achievable with the existing transmission grid.

There are some additional considerations that need to be taken into account which may present barriers to SSH development. The west, due to its isolation may have stability problems if no grid development projects are implemented. For a power grid to remain stable, the frequency and phase of all power generation units must remain synchronous within narrow operational limits. SSH power generation is not constant and as the western grid has limited connections it may not be able to handle small frequency changes. The north, however, has a balancing advantage, due to sufficient transmission capacity to the Russian grid, which has a relatively stable power system. This region also has the highest potential capacity and strong connections to the southern region.


The suitability of the above regions for development of SSH power assumes that there is no investment in the electricity grid of Kazakhstan. However it should be noted that considerable network development both on-going and planned is being undertaken by Government of the RoK and KEGOC.








Hydropower is well developed in Kazakhstan and there are many active large hydropower plants and SSH plants operating; these are presented in Table 5.

Table 5 Existing Hydropower Plants

Power plant Generation capacity (MW)

Power produced

(GWh) Large Hydropower Plants

TOO "AES Shulbin HPP" 702.0 1,446.1 Buhtarmin HPP AO "Kazcink" 675.0 2,541.2 Kapshagajsk HPP AO "AlJeS" 364.0 1,000.0 Ust-Kamenogorsk HPP 331.2 1,496.7 Moinak HPP 300.0 1,000.0 Shardara HPP 100.0 400.0 GTS KPK 50.0 200.0 Cascade of Almaty HPP AO "AlJeS" 49.2 210.0

SSH TOO "LKHPP Company" 13.8 50.0 Karatal HPP-1 10.1 60.0 HPPs of Taldykorgan 7.1 20.0 Issyk HPP-2 TOO "JenergoAlem" 5.1 10.0 Karatal HPP-2 4.4 10.0 Karatal HPP-3TOO ASPMK-519 4.4 10.0 Karatal HPP-4 TOO ASPMK-519 3.1 12.7 RPG Severvodkhoz 1 HPP at Ishim river 2.0 5.8 TT-Group 1 HPP at Aksu river 2.0 6.5 Zaisanskaya HPP 2.0 7.3 Hydroenergy Company 2 HPP at Merke river 1.8 5.2 Georgievskaya HPP 1.7 4.9 Remkomstroy 1 HPP at Merke river 1.5 4.3 Urdzharskaya HPP 0.2 0.6



Mercados identified additional known planned large scale and SSH projects in their market study. These are presented in Table 6. All of the proposed SSH projects identified below are located in Almaty oblast in the south grid.


Table 6 Planned Hydropower Development

Power plant Year Generation capacity (MW)

Power produced

(GWh) Large Hydropower Plants

Bulkakskaya HPP 2015 68.0 200.0 Kerbulak HPP 2016 40.6 140.1 Expansion of Shardara HPP 2016 16.0 64.0 Expansion of Cascade of Almaty HPP

2016 12.8 44.2

Expansion of Kapshagajsk HPP 2016 70.0 241.4 Planned HPP in South Kazakhstan

2017 40.0 160.0

Planned HPP in East Kazakhstan 2017 1007.0 4671.0 Planned HPP in Almaty 2017 1023.5 4716.9

SSH Karatal river SSH 2014 3.5 19.3 Issyk river SSH 2014 5.0 27.6 Baskan river SSH 2014 4.4 24.0




This section looks at the type of technology that would be employed for SSH development in Kazakhstan. It details the types of SSH, components of typical projects, and the key activities to be take into consideration for the construction, operation, and decommissioning of a potential site. It also discusses the current status of the hydroelectric power supply chain in Kazakhstan.

3.1 TYPES OF SSH

Small scale hydroelectric projects (SSH) are defined by the Republic of Kazakhstan as those with nameplate capacities less than or equal to 35 MW (Af-Mercados Emi, 2013). SSH differs from large scale hydroelectric development primarily in the storage of water and the infrastructure and equipment required. Large scale hydroelectric generally involves development of high head dams and reservoirs with large storage capacities. SSH relies on smaller head structure and operate with low or near zero storage. These types of facilities are called “run-of-river” because they operate based on the natural hydrology of the river, though they may have some storage capacity for peaking or pulsing. Other SSH may involve storage reservoirs that are less dependent on the natural river flows and provide more predictability and control over energy generation by providing for at least several days of storage. This section also describes pumped-storage, which is not typically SSH, but may present some potential for integration with other renewable energy projects such as solar and wind since it can act as a “battery” and provide energy when solar and wind projects are not generating. The following sections describe in more detail these types of hydroelectric projects.

3.1.1 RUN-OF-RIVER

In a run-of-river development, the natural flow of the river remains relatively unaltered with the potential exception of water chemistry, most notably oxygen or temperature. If the flow is diverted, then there is the potential for significant change in the flow of water in a specific reach of the river (the bypass reach). A run-of-river project does not require a large reservoir and projects tend to be on a smaller scale. Run-of-river projects require a consistent and steady flow. Typically, a run-of-river plant has storage for no more than 48 hours of water supply. Figure 8 shows a schematic of a run-of-river hydropower project.


Figure 8 Typical run-of-river hydroelectric project

Source: www.cleantechinvestor.com

The advantage of a run-of-river project is that it typically has a smaller environmental footprint than other types of projects and potentially smaller impacts to the environment. The disadvantage of a run-of-river project is the lack of storage; therefore, lower reliability in terms of power or capacity. Simply put, run-of-river projects can be similar to solar and wind projects in terms of intermittency and lack of dispatchability.

3.1.2 WATER STORAGE (RESERVOIR)

Storage regulation developments are projects that include a reservoir that captures water during times when less energy is required and stores it for use during times when it is needed. Conventional storage water projects are not usually considered “small hydro” but in order to differentiate the alternative forms of hydro, this discussion has been included. Figure 9 shows a typical water storage hydroelectric project cross-section.


Figure 9 Typical hydroelectric project with storage


Alternating current (AC) electrical energy is a product that is consumable only at the time it is manufactured; therefore, has no direct storage. To overcome the inability to store the product, potential energy is stored in the form of water in a reservoir. Through storage, a project becomes dispatchable and thus has assigned capacity. These types of projects can have secondary or ancillary benefits such as flood control, irrigation, water supply, and recreation opportunities. The challenge for projects of this type is the relative impact they may have on natural river flow as well as the upstream areas that they may permanently flood to develop the storage. Additional concerns are associated with potential impacts on the aquatic habitat and populations, downstream water availability, sediment budget and the eventual long terms effects that will occur both upstream and downstream of these projects as the river system equilibrates to the new hydrologic regime.

3.1.3 PUMPED STORAGE

An important observation from this review of hydro potential (albeit not directly associated with SSH but directly correlated to renewable resources) is the opportunity for pumped storage projects in support of other forms of renewable resources. There appears to be excellent opportunity in Kazakhstan to develop wind and solar power in which pumped storage hydro could serve as an outstanding partner to firm these otherwise variable, intermittent forms of energy. Pumped storage systems also provide ancillary electrical grid services such as network frequency control and reserve generation. This is due to the ability of pumped storage plants, like other


hydroelectric plants, to respond to load changes within seconds. Pumped storage hydropower is the largest and most reliable form of energy storage available for alternating current electricity. Given the combined opportunity to develop wind and solar in the country’s interior and the potential for hydro along Kazakhstan’s borders, there is an apparent natural complement among these renewable energy resources that could be exploited as part of a larger, low carbon, renewable resource initiative.

Normally, a discussion concerning pumped storage would not be included in a review of SSH; however, since pumped storage may be a very important part of the overall generational mix associated with the overarching discussion of renewable energy sources including wind and solar, it has been included from a contextual perspective. Pumped storage is a type of hydroelectric power generation that stores energy in the form of water in an upper reservoir, pumped from a second reservoir at a lower elevation. During periods of high electricity demand, the stored water is released through turbines in the same manner as a conventional hydro station. Excess energy, usually at lower cost during the night and on weekends, is used to recharge the reservoir by pumping the water back to the upper reservoir. In the context of integration with wind and solar, it may be possible to use excess solar energy during the day to recharge a pumped-storage reservoir and use the hydroelectricity at night. For wind, the reservoir could be recharged when wind is driving turbines and generation switched to hydroelectric when the wind is low. In both cases, this integration must build-in excess capacity in the solar or wind facilities to provide capacity to recharge the reservoir. Figure 10 presents a schematic of a pumped storage system.

Figure 10 Typical pumped storage system

Source: Hydro Equipment Association

Reversible pump/turbine and motor/generator assemblies act as both a pump and a turbine. Pumped storage stations are unlike traditional hydro stations as they are a net consumer of electricity. In reality, pumped storage plants are transmission facilities and they can be very economical, from an


overall system operation perspective, due to peak/off-peak price differentials and, more importantly, the provision of ancillary grid services.

Pumped storage historically has been used to balance load on a system and allow large, thermal generating sources to operate at optimum conditions. Pumped storage is the largest-capacity and most cost-effective form of grid energy storage currently available. Pumped storage systems also provide ancillary electrical grid services such as network frequency control and reserve generation. This is due to the ability of pumped storage plants, like other hydroelectric plants, to respond to load changes within seconds. The original economic model that supported or justified pumped storage projects was associated with large, base load thermal cycle facilities such as nuclear that could not easily be modulated. Pumped storage offered an opportunity to take advantage of the cheaper, off peak excess energy to pump and then utilize that storage during peak, higher price periods to support overall demand.

Pumped storage is now being applied to firm the variability of renewable power sources, such as wind and solar generation. Pumped storage can absorb excess generation (or negative load) at times of high output and low demand, and release that stored energy during peak demand periods, proving to be an enabling technology for growing renewable power.

Wind power is a generating technology that is included in many countries’ electrical systems and permits a substantial reduction in emissions of greenhouse gases. However, the increasing penetration of this technology in current electricity systems requires a substantial increase in the resources required to balance generation and demand, as well as additional investments to guarantee the continuity of electricity supply when wind intensity is low.

Of all of the available technologies in current electricity systems, pumped-storage plants constitute the most attractive option for firming the variability of wind. Accordingly, Iberdrola is involved in the development of several of these plants. When completed in 2018, they will provide nearly 1,750 MW of capacity to the electrical system in Spain and Portugal (Montero and Pérez, 2009).

Given the flow-duration characteristics of many of the rivers and basins in Kazakhstan where there are large but very short flow periods, pumped storage may be an alternative worthy of investigation and consideration.

3.1.4 REHABILITATION OF EXISTING HYDROPOWER PLANTS

Rehabilitation of existing hydro projects entails rehabilitating and/or replacing one or more components at an existing facility, while utilizing some or most of the existing infrastructure. Many of these sites have old dams as


well. When rehabilitating an old facility, careful attention to the civil, electrical, and mechanical components is critical to evaluating rehabilitation needs and estimating the cost of the project. Blending old construction with new is challenging. This is particularly true with civil works such as dams, penstocks, gates, draft tubes, intakes and powerhouse. Mechanical and electrical equipment such as generators, turbines, wicket gates, intake gates and trash racks, governors, substations and control panels all require careful and detailed inspections to assure that rehabilitation is feasible and cost effective compared to complete replacement. Antiquated control panel components are usually replaced because control equipment is usually matched to mechanical and electrical equipment.

Building a new facility is typically more straight forward but costs are higher per kilowatt of installed capacity. It is easier to demolish a facility and build from the ground up compared to retrofitting in components that are rebuilt, repaired, and/or rehabilitated into civil structures. However, there may be advantages to refurbishing an existing facility that already has environmental impacts, rather than in areas without any hydro structures in place.

3.2 COMPONENTS

Traditional hydroelectric power is generated by converting the potential energy of water as it moves from a higher elevation to a lower elevation and passes through a turbine to drive an electric generator. The amount of kinetic energy captured by a turbine is a function of the head and the water flow rate through the turbine. The building blocks for the projects identified in the SER are generally the same. They include turbines, generator sets, powerhouse, penstock, intake, control systems, and tailrace. The hydropower facilities considered in this report use the same general components but may require somewhat different configurations.

3.2.1 DAMS, DIVERSIONS AND IMPOUDMENTS (RESERVOIRS)

An impoundment is the general classification for a structure that is built across a river used to support a variety of water related purposes. A dam is a type of impoundment that can be large or small that is used to provide head or store river volume. A diversion is another type of impoundment. It typically is a dam at a lower elevation that channels or directs all or a portion of river flow towards an intake or other water control structure. Usually, the potential head and flow rate for a hydroelectric facility improves with the construction of a dam and reservoir. This, in turn, increases the potential installed hydroelectric turbine and generator capacity. This is accomplished by increasing gross head, storing inflow, providing increased discharge to the turbine-generator set, and retaining excess river flow as stored volume at a higher head for use at a later date.


3.2.2 TURBINE

All hydropower facilities include turbines for power generation. There are two primary types of turbine classes that are used for hydroelectric power generation: impulse turbines and reaction turbines, with design variations available for each class.

Table 7 displays turbine designs by class, typical installed capacity range and hydropower facility type where they are installed. It is important to note where overlaps in turbine type selection occur. They are due to other factors (cost, flow variability, for example) that are important in the selection of turbines for a given installation. From Figure 11, note that for a 10 MW or less installation (micro, mini, and SSH), all of the turbine designs listed in Table 7 may be suitable, depending on site conditions. Environmental impact considerations are generally the same for any turbine type. Water quality characteristics are generally the same comparing upstream and downstream flows. Turbines do allow for some alteration of dissolved oxygen by injection and a small hydro project can increase dissolved oxygen by allowing spillway discharge of river flow. Some differences that exist for these turbines include fish passage--possible for reaction turbines and not possible for impulse turbines.

Table 7 Turbine types

Turbine Design

Turbine Class Capacity Range (MW)

Facility Types*

Pelton Impulse 0.5 – 150 M, Mi, S, Med, L

Crossflow Impulse 0.1 – 1.0 M, Mi

Turgo Impulse (variant of Pelton) 0.75 – 5.0 M, Mi, S

Francis Reaction (fixed runners) 0.5 – 800.0 Mi, S, Med, L

Kaplan Reaction (variable pitch runners)

0.1 – 100 M, Mi, S, Med

M=Micro (<0.1 MW) Mi=Mini (0.1 MW – 1.5 MW) S=Small (1.5 MW – 30 MW) Med=Medium (30 MW – 100 MW) L=Large (100 MW+)



Figure 11 Turbine applications


3.2.3 GENERATOR

The generator is connected and rotated by the turbine. The turbine turns a shaft which rotates a series of magnets past copper coils and a generator to produce electricity. Electricity is produced as the rotors spin past the stationary wiring. Hydropower generators (as with other power generation) are matched and sized to the hydro turbines that rotate them. In Figure 11, the black lines labeled MW are the capacity rating of the generator that will produce that level of generation given the turbine type, flow and head selected.

3.2.4 POWERHOUSE

The powerhouse is a structure, typically reinforced concrete of one or two levels (stories), of which its primary function is to house the turbine(s), generator(s), control systems, and related equipment. Depending on where the powerhouse is sited it can be made as a watertight facility (if located in a floodplain) to prevent flood waters from damaging the generator and other electrical equipment housed inside. Often electricity is routed from the powerhouse to a step-up transformer for interconnection to a transmission line, but it is also possible for the transformer to be housed within or on top of the powerhouse.

Other facilities typically housed within the powerhouse structure may include the bypass or in-stream flow release valve and shutoff valves for use when the turbine is to be taken out of service or in cases when the flows exceed the capacity of the turbine. If these components are not able to be housed within the powerhouse then a separate valve house structure will be needed. Also contiguous to the powerhouse is the draft tube and tailrace that


return turbine discharge to the receiving river. Some micro and small mini hydro projects may not require a powerhouse at all and are designed to be exposed to all weather operations. Pipeline installations, where the turbines are installed directly in the pipes, are an example where a powerhouse is not always required.

3.2.5 PENSTOCK

The penstock is a pipeline which directs water from the inlet at the intake structure or dam and conveys it to the powerhouse. These are often above ground for small scale hydropower facilities but may be tunnelled as well. Penstocks may be elevated above ground if needed, and penstock components may include thrust blocks, expansion joints, supports (roller or fixed), flow meters, and valves and appurtenances. Access to the penstock is needed for inspection and maintenance activities

3.2.6 INTAKE

An intake directs water flow into the penstock(s). In a run-of-river system, and intake weir is constructed to draw water from the river creating a small “headpond” of water. As part of an impoundment structure or an intake facility, intakes require some similar design components. For example, an intake will need to be screened with a steel grate to prevent elements such as large logs from entering the penstock. Intakes will also need to have a valve installed so that flow to the penstock can be stopped for inspection and maintenance of the penstock, or in the case of emergency shutdown of the penstock.

3.2.7 DRAFT TUBE AND TAILRACE

The draft tube conveys water from the turbine discharge to the tailrace and dissipates its energy such that impacts to the receiving body of water are minimized. It is hydraulically important and if poorly designed can increase hydraulic friction losses significantly, thereby decreasing available gross head and overall generation potential. The tailrace is the connector channel (typically an open channel that returns turbine discharge from the draft tubes to the water source at reasonable open channel flow velocities. Designs vary depending on turbine type. Poorly designed tailraces can also decrease net head and increase hydraulic losses.

Cut-off gates or stop logs are usually included in tailrace design to isolate the tailrace from the draft tube for turbine and draft tube maintenance.

3.2.8 AUTOMATION SYSTEM

These are the systems that are used to adjust settings on the turbine and generator, and control the transfer of electricity from the hydropower project


to the substation. The important environmental feature of control systems is the use of telemetered environmental data as input to decisions related to how the hydropower project is operated. The data can include, for example, river flow and hydropower discharge, quality parameters for supporting low flow, fisheries, water quality (pollutant levels), reservoir elevation, environmental releases, and or other required discharges.

The hydro facilities considered in this report contain most or all of these components. Since the hydro projects are 35 MW or below, they fall into three typical size classes -- mini, micro, and small. Table 7 identifies these size ranges for the hydropower project components. In reality, the dimensions can vary widely based on a number of site specific conditions.

3.2.9 BALANCE OF PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Typically, Balance of Plant and Equipment includes the equipment/systems such as power transformers, power evacuation systems, auxiliary transformers, control cables, switchgears, battery & battery chargers, and lighting. It may also include cooling water systems, drainage systems & dewatering systems, compressed air system, and HVAC systems. Even though these particular components may not be part of the primary generation associated with a hydroelectric plant they are equally important to the ultimate generation, transmission, operations and maintenance of the overall plant and as such, just as critical. Facility reliability and availability is in many cases, driven by the performance of the ancillary and support equipment.

3.2.10 ACCESS ROADS

During the construction and operation phases SSH facilities will normally require adequate means of vehicular access. Stone and aggregate for access tracks and hard standing, concrete and steel for foundations, and cabling to transfer electricity, for example, will all need to be transported to site.


Hydro plants use water flow to spin a turbine that drives an induction generator. Induction generators require reactive power, depending on the output power and power factor correction, which can cause self-excitation, thus increasing harmonic content. Increasing harmonic content can create stability concerns for an interconnection, especially within weaker power systems (e.g. radial distribution lines). Induction generators also have sub transient reactance inherent to the machine, which contributes to high fault current at lower voltages. Different padmount transformer configurations can also increase or decrease the amount of fault current onto the system, so it is important to design the system to keep the zero sequence impedance to a minimum, but still have a ground reference (so no overvoltage scenarios


occur). Series neutral reactors or resistors can be added to the neutral connections of the collection system to increase the zero sequence impedance, thus decreasing the fault current.

Hydro projects up to 35 MW in size should typically be interconnected at distribution voltages. It is usually too costly to facilitate an interconnection at a higher voltage; however, there are no technical constraints to doing so. At distribution voltages, it is more reliable to interconnect directly to a substation, not tap a line, due to the fault contribution to the system. This type of interconnection would require a generation tie line from the project site to the substation, so siting of the tie line may pose an issue.

Ancillary benefits for hydropower include electric grid services such as load following, the ability to produce power when electricity demand is highest, and the ability to turn on quickly. The value of hydropower includes operating efficiency improvements, fleet support, technology upgrades to increase operating range and services, and faster co-optimization in electricity markets.

The operation of electricity systems depends on rapid and flexible generation sources to meet peak demands, maintain the system voltage levels, and quickly re-establish supply after a blackout. Energy generated by hydroelectric installations can be injected into the electricity system faster than that of any other energy source. The capacity of hydroelectric systems to reach maximum production from zero in a rapid and foreseeable manner makes them exceptionally appropriate for addressing alterations in the consumption and providing ancillary services to the electricity system, thus maintaining the balance between the electricity supply and demand.

Hydroelectric power plants with accumulation reservoirs offer incomparable operational flexibility, since they can immediately respond to fluctuations in the demand for electricity. The flexibility and storage capacity of hydroelectric power plants make them more efficient and economical in supporting the use of intermittent sources of renewable energy, such as solar or wind energy.


There are many factors which establish the feasibility of a potential site for the development of new hydropower projects and contribute to the determination of which facilities are most appropriate for a particular site. Chief among such considerations are the head and flow characteristics of a particular site, which dictate the power capacity and energy production capability of a facility at that site. The availability of such data also plays a role in the selection of an appropriate site.


The quality of the resource is an obvious primary consideration; however, there are some other significant issues in Kazakhstan, identified in the SER that should be considered when siting power facilities:

• Cumulative impact of water availability - Consideration should be given to the impact of other hydropower facilities upstream on the same river reach on the operation of any planned SSH facility. Operation and activities at upstream hydropower facilities can adversely affect the availability of water resource for potential development downstream. In addition, the potential for developing downstream resources is impacted by siting a new facility and should be considered.

• Seismicity, mudflows, and landslides - Geology, geotechnical, and seismic conditions must be considered and evaluated. These will guide design and identify potential hazards such as risk/landslide potential, earthquake and vibration events and overall structural stability of the project area. The designs should consider low probability events such as major earthquakes (consistent with the seismic potential and history of the area) and the effects of land or rockslides that can catastrophically enter a reservoir, creating tsunami-like waves or at a smaller scale, suddenly overtop the dam.


should be located proximate to existing substations with capacity on the transmission grid. SSH power facilities become to become less economical at increasing distances from substations due to the costs associated with extending distribution or transmission lines to the power plant.

3.4.1 CONSTRUCTION

Construction activities will vary significantly for a new project with an impoundment as compared to a retrofit project. Major construction activities are identified in the following sections for each of these project types.

3.4.1.1. SMALL HYDRO

Major on-site construction activities associated with a new impoundment hydropower project will vary from project to project, but significant activities will likely include:

• Topographical survey; • Hydrological analysis of long term stream flow; • Geotechnical investigations and drilling; • Construction of access roads; • Installation of river diversion;


• Mobilization of cranes and other major equipment; • Excavation works for temporary and permanent civil structures (dam,

waterway, powerhouse); • Construction of concrete or earthen dam, including vibration and

compaction of material; • Installation of hydraulic steel structures; • Placement and installation of major equipment, valves, turbines,

generator; and • Installation of electrical work (conduits, station power, transformer,

transmission lines).

3.4.1.2. RETROFIT AND REHABILITATION AT EXISTING AND RETIRED SITES

Constraints to the site, limited work space, potential for damage to existing but usable facility components and structures is significant, and safety on the worksite is more challenging. Environmental control of construction materials, liquids, waste disposal, and flood protection are all more challenging in an old site being rehabilitated versus a new construction site. Construction work and site plans are important planning and operational tools. Pollution Prevention Plans need to be developed and included in site work plans.

Major on-site construction activities associated with a retrofitting an existing hydropower project will vary from project to project, but significant activities will likely include:

• Installation of hydraulic steel structures; • Placement and installation of major equipment, valves, turbines,

generator; • Installation of electrical work (conduits, station power, transformer,

transmission lines); and • In cases, where the civil works need refurbishment as well certain

existing structures are rehabilitated.


Once construction is complete, the SSH plant is commissioned. Commissioning involves standard tests for electrical infrastructure and turbines.

Throughout the construction and development stages, regulatory review and compliance oversight will occur in which authorities must be assured that the project will operate as close as possible to the anticipated project criteria and established limits.



The projected operational lifetime of a typical hydropower plant is 40 to 50 years. After this period there are two options, repowering the site and replacing existing equipment or decommissioning the site, removing the equipment and other major structures and restoring the stream/river and site..

Prior to decommissioning, a decommissioning method statement, detailing or how the site will be restored is usually prepared and approved by the relevant authorities. A key part of the decommissioning for a SSH facility will be restoration of the stream. The decommissioning programme should include plans for restoring the stream to pre-development function and value while preventing erosion and degradation of the stream.


The estimation of investment costs for SSH was developed using ÅF-Mercados EMI (2013) assumptions in the regional FIT modelling report. The estimated of SSH investment costs in the Asian Region are presented in Table 8. It should be noted that capital costs also vary widely with site conditions.

Table 8 Capital and Operating Expenses for Typical SSH

Item Cost (USD)

Plant $1,679/kW

Planning $283/kW

Electrical Installation (grid infrastructure)

$283/kW

Other infrastructure $566/kW

TOTAL CAPITAL COSTS $2,828/kW

Service and Spare Parts $27.5/MWh

Insurance $7.5/MWh

Administration $9.0/MWh

Other O&M $6.0/MWh

TOTAL OPERATING COSTS $50.0/MWh Source: ÅF-Mercados EMI (2013)

Table 9 presents the comparative costs for various forms of hydropower plants.


Table 9 Comparative Hydropower Plant Costs

Hydropower Technology

MW Range

Installed Cost (US $/kW)

Discussion

Conventional Hydro

(impoundment)

50 (average)

$1,000-$5,000 A mature technology, conventional hydro falls at the lower end of the range of installed costs, particularly for upgrade projects at existing sites. New dams and greenfield sites are more expensive.

Microhydro < 0.1 $4,000-$6,000 The installed cost for low-impact hydro systems is not expected to decline in the near term.

Run of River (diversion.

Approx. 10

$1,500- $6,000 Similar to conventional hydro, installed costs for run-of-river can vary widely.

Pumped Storage >500 $1,010-$4,500 Traditional pumped storage is a proven technology and costs are not expected to decline going forward. The new underground pumped storage technology has been quoted at $2,000/kW and cost declines can be expected going forward, if the concept proves itself.

Source: National Hydropower Association (2013) at http://www.hydro.org/why-hydro/affordable/


Hydropower is a mature, well understood industry in Kazakhstan Hydropower development history in Kazakhstan suggests that there are industry stakeholders-- engineering firms, equipment suppliers, developers (owners), hydropower operators, and contractors with the necessary experience to support the industry.

http://www.hydro.org/why-hydro/affordable/

http://www.hydro.org/why-hydro/affordable/



A detailed assessment of environmental and social constraints related to SSH (and the other three RES evaluated) is provided in the SER Report. Environmental and social factors that could significantly impact the effectiveness, economic feasibility, and therefore, the siting of these facilities are addressed in Section 3.7 of this RPER. In addition, there are areas of high environmental and/or social sensitivity the proximity of which should also be strongly considered. These environmental and/or social high sensitivity areas are discussed in detail in the SER and are summarized in this section.

• Essential Habitat for Protected Aquatic Species - SSH development along river/stream segments that are essential habitat for protected aquatic species should be avoided. When siting facilities in, or upgradient of, a stream that provides essential aquatic habitat for protected species, a more detailed assessment of environmental effects and additional impact mitigation measures will be required.

• Anadromous Fish – The creation of impounded SSH systems along river/stream segments that support anadromous fish migration should be avoided. When creating impounded SSH facilities along rivers that support anadromous fish movement, a more detailed assessment of environmental effects and additional impact mitigation measures will be required.

• Forested Areas - Potential SSH sites in forested areas, would be discouraged given the relative lack of this habitat and the abundance of un-forested areas throughout the country. When siting facilities within a forested area is unavoidable, a more detailed assessment of environmental effects and additional impact mitigation measures will be required.

• Protected/Designated Lands - Potential SSH sites in or near other areas afforded legal protection, including National Parks, and preserved lands would be discouraged given the relative lack of this habitat and the abundance of un-forested areas throughout the country. When siting facilities within a protected/designated area is unavoidable, additional impact mitigation measures will be required.

• Cultural heritage - Special care should be taken to avoid siting SSH facilities at or within the viewshed of known and tentative UNESCO World Heritage sites due to the global uniqueness of these areas. Special care should also be taken to avoid placing SSH facilities on or near locally-registered cultural heritage sites. Given the low actual elevation of potential SSH facilities, the viewshed for SSH facilities is somewhat limited. Therefore, a viewshed buffer of 5km should be


placed around known and tentative UNESCO and national heritage features for SSH facility development. When siting facilities within a viewshed buffer is unavoidable, a more detailed assessment of environmental effects and additional impact mitigation measures will be required. Cultural heritage features themselves would be considered exclusion zones.

• Cumulative effects – Special consideration should be given to the impact of other hydropower facilities upstream on the same river reach on the operation of any planned SSH facility. Operation and activities at upstream hydropower facilities can affect the availability of water resource. In addition, the potential for developing downstream resources is impacted by siting a new facility and should be considered. Potentially significant cumulative effects associated with SSH are presented in Table 6. Guidance for cumulative impact assessment at the development-specific level is available for RES from a number of different sources. These will be used as required by the Project Implementation Unit to establish the methodology for specific financed projects where there are potential cumulative impacts. A list of the most recent and relevant guidance and research is provided below:

o International Fiance Corporation (IFC), Good Practice Handbook: Cumulative Impact Assessment and Management: Guidance for the Private Sector in Emerging Markets, August 2013.

o World Bank. 2012. “Sample Guidelines: Cumulative Environmental Impact Assessment for Hydropower Projects in Turkey.” Energy Sector Management Assistance Program. https://www.esmap.org/node/2964.

o Bérubé, Michel. 2007. “Cumulative effects assessment at Hydro-Québec: what have we learned?” Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal 25(2): 101–109.

o Bonnell, S., and K. Storey. 2000. “Addressing cumulative effects through strategic environmental assessment: a case study of small hydro

https://www.esmap.org/node/2964


Table 10 Cumulative effect issues associated with SSH power generation and mitigation measures


Geographic Boundary


SMALL HYDRO

The cumulative effect realized when multiple SSH facilities (impoundment or RoR) are concentrated in high water energy areas

Water resources Aquatic biodiversity

Extent of river


Design requirements for specific facilities to prevent entrainment and allow fish passage, regional planning measures to limit compounding effects on small streams.

The cumulative effect associated with placing multiple impoundments on a single waterway

Water resources Aquatic biodiversity

Extent of river


Design requirements for specific facilities to prevent entrainment and allow fish passage, regional planning measures to limit impoundments on existing rivers



SSH projects funded under KazREFF will be subject to the following environmental and social requirements, as stipulated by EBRD:

















Due to the relatively small scale of the potential KazREFF projects, most would likely fall under Category B, as the potential adverse environmental and/or social effects that they may give rise to are typically site-specific, and/or readily identified and addressed through mitigation measures. However, the siting of SSH facilities within or near sensitive/protected areas or in situations where impacts could be more severe may result in these being classified as Category A projects. This determination is made by EBRD and KazREFF in the initial project phases.

5.1.1 CATEGORY A



required).



5.1.2 CATEGORY B






























Based on additional guidance provided in the RoK EIA regulations, it is likely that SSH projects (and in fact, all RES projects) would be considered Category II and would require Category II EIA/OVOS documentation. However, the siting of SSH facilities within or near sensitive/protected areas may result in these being classified as Category I projects. This determination is made by MoE at the preliminary EIA stage.






• Ensure that projects are technically feasible






The appraisal process includes an initial screening of the project proposal against the criteria presented in this RPER, the SER report, and consideration of key environmental and social issues. This initial screening is conducted after the project proponent completes the Environmental and Social Issues Checklist – Small Scale Hydropower provided in Appendix B. This checklist includes identification of key environmental and social issues related to SSH (and cumulative impacts) and is reviewed by KazREFF’s environmental and social review team. Based on the review of the checklist, the project’s EBRD category will be determined and specific documentation requirements will be communicated to the project proponent.




Templates for the typical documents expected to support SSH projects (under Category B) are provided in Appendix C and include templates for the NTS (Appendix C.1), the SEP (Appendix C.2), and the ESAP (Appendix C.3). If a project is determined to be a Category A project, an ESIA would be required. Due to the very specialized nature of an ESIA, an ESIA template has not been provided. However, information in the SER report will be extremely useful to identify information necessary for the preparation of these documents. The information in the SER identifying the environmental baseline, the anticipated effects, and mitigation strategies should also be very useful to inform the Kazakh EIA.








6.0 APPENDICES

A - Gaps between EBRD PR for ESIA and Kazakhstan EIA Requirements

B – Environmental and Social Issues Checklist – SSH




C.3 – Environmental and Social Action Plan (ESAP) – SSH







Gap




None



None




Gap




None




Gap




None




Gap








None




Gap








None




Gap





None








None




Gap










Gap






None










Gap


procedure.


Kazakhstan Renewable Energy Financing Facility (KazREFF) - Strategic Environmental Review Appendix B – Environmental and Social Issues Checklist – Small Hydropower






PROJECT NAME:


Company Name:

Company Address:

Country:

Town/Location:



Name:

Title: Date:

Telephone:

Mobile:

E-mail:


Title: Date:



COMPANY PROFILE



D) Describe the main activities of the Company and its holdings including any solar photovoltaic or other renewable energy projects (include a



Start of construction (planned date) Start of operation (planned date) Installed capacity (MW) Annual net generation (MWh) Type of solar photovoltaic panels (eg fixed tilt or axis-tracking; crystalline or thin-film?) Are data on solar irradiation available (yes/no) Solar irradiation measuring period (start date / end date) Daily average of solar irradiation at Project site (kWh/m2) Distance to interconnection grid (km): Voltage level of interconnection grid (kV): Voltage level of overhead line to interconnection point (kV): Land area required (m2)


yes no







1. Describe the Project and provide a map showing its components, including the solar panel infrastructure (photovoltaic modules, inverters, racking transformer and sub-station (and approximate layout)), roads, transmission lines, grid connections and other required facilities.

2. How were environmental and social issues incorporated into the siting and design optimisation process (see also questions under PR1 and PR6 below)? 2.1 What studies have been completed relating to potential impacts on local communities and other land-users?

3. Solar resource issues – please describe: 3.1 Understanding of the operational regime for each facility and for operations in tandem; 3.2 Solar resource measurements and other meteorological data and monitoring information;





Yes: No:





Yes: No:



Yes: No:



Yes: No:



Yes: No:





Yes: No:




1.j Who is responsible for environmental management at Name/title:



the Company? Phone/mobile:

Email:


Name/title:

Phone/mobile:

Email:


Name/title:

Phone/mobile:

Email:


Name/title:

Phone/mobile:

Email:


Yes: No:


Yes: No:


Yes: No:



Yes: No:



Yes: No:



1.n Will the Company use contractors during the Yes No



construction and/or operational phases of the Project? If yes, please provide details:


Yes No


Yes No



Yes: No:





Name/title

Phone/mobile:

Email:


Yes: No:


Yes: No:


Yes: No:



Yes: No:





Yes: No:



Yes: No:



Yes: No:



Number:



Yes: No:



Yes: No:



Yes: No:



Yes: No:




Does the Company apply any restrictions to the tasks Yes: No:



that can be done by younger workers? If yes, please describe:


Yes: No:


Yes: No:







Yes: No:



Yes: No:



Yes: No:






2.q Will there be employment opportunities for local Yes: No:



stakeholders? If yes, please describe these opportunities:









Name/title:

Phone/mobile:

Email:


Yes:

No:



Yes:

No:



Yes: No:


Yes: No:


Yes: No:

2.u Is there a current Health & Safety Action Plan for the Yes: No:



Company? If yes, please provide a copy of the latest update.


Yes: No:



Yes: No:



Yes: No:



Yes: No:



Yes: No:






Yes: No:



Yes: No:






Air Emissions





Water Use














Yes: No:






Yes: No:



Yes: No:



Yes: No:





Yes: No:



Yes: No:





Yes No


How much of each?







Yes: No:





Yes: No:



Yes: No:




Yes: No:








Yes: No:

Name:

Title:

Phone/mobile:

Email:


Yes: No:





Yes: No:



Yes: No:




Yes: No:




Yes: No:



Yes: No:







Yes: No:



Yes: No:
















Yes: No:



Yes: No:







Yes: No:



Yes: No:



Yes: No:





Yes: No:







Yes: No:

Name:

Title:

Phone/mobile:

Email:


Yes: No:



Yes: No:



Yes: No:



Yes: No:


10.g Does the Company have plans to implement Yes: No:



community development activities (e.g. is there a corporate social responsibility plan)?






DATE


Prepared for:

CONTENTS


1 Introduction 79




7.0 Introduction







Environmental and social documents will be available for review during normal business hours at the following location: XXXX (add details)

Meetings at which anyone can make comments will be held as follows: XXXX (add details)






Address:

Phone:

Email:












Key Features


XXX – add details










Water Supply


Noise

Waste Management

Cultural Heritage

Tourism

Visual Landscape

Socio-economics

Traffic Management




Others…

Contents


Prepared for:



CONTENTS


1 Introduction 86

1.1 Background 86


















6 Timetable 95




1 Introduction





















2 Regulatory Context


















3 Summary of previous stakeholder engagement














•




4 Stakeholder Identification and Communication Methods








Proposed Media




Company website??

www.kazreff.com ??


XXX For example…


XXX

Unions:

• XXX

XXX For example…


XXX






Proposed Media




Radio: XXX

Company website??

www.kazreff.com ??




XXX


with the Institute

XXX




XXX




- Meetings

XXX




Company website??

www.kazreff.com ??

Others..




5 Disclosure of Information and Stakeholder Engagement Programme








6 Timetable




XXX XXX XXX

XXX XXX XXX



XXX

Before construction



XXX




XXX




XXX

After construction


• XXX


7 Public Grievance Mechanism






– XXX







8 Roles and Responsibilities



XXX

Company: XXX

Postal Address: XXX

Telephone: XXX

E-mail address: XXX

Hotline: XXX




Full Name




� By Telephone: _______________________________________________

� By E-mail _______________________________________________





Signature: _______________________________

Date: _______________________________


Address __________________________: Tel.: _________

or E-mail: ___

CONTENTS


DATE

Prepared for:

Kazakhstan Renewable Energy Financing Facility (KazREFF) PROJECT NAME Environmental and Social Action Plan – Small Hydropower

CONTENTS





1.3 ESAP for small hydropower projects 103


9 PROJECT OVERVIEW

9.1 PROJECT APPROACH To encourage businesses to pursue sustainable energy projects, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has launched the Kazakhstan Renewable Energy Financing Facility (KazREFF). KazREFF aims to ‘provide development support and debt finance to renewable energy projects which meet required commercial, technical and environmental standards’. KazREFF not only provides tailor-made financing, but also provides technical assistance for businesses and local authorities based on information gathered and analysed by stakeholders to promote projects that are often challenging to finance and implement.



9.2 SCOPE OF THIS ESAP This ESAP is for the small hydropower renewable energy scenario; It includes a series of actions to be undertaken in order to manage – that is, to plan and implement specific measures to avoid, reduce, control, or otherwise mitigate – potential environmental, occupational health and safety, and social impacts during construction and operation9. This ESAP should be considered as a template which will be reviewed and amended by project proponents who wish to develop specific small hydropower projects funded by KazREFF in the future; and will be part of the contract between the project developer and EBRD. It is envisaged that EBRD will require performance of the required actions to be regularly reported and that it will periodically monitor implementation of the ESAP.


9 For purposes of this ESAP, “construction” includes all actions in the field to construct the project, including support and ancillary facilities such as construction camps, roads, temporary or permanent buildings, staging areas, etc. “Operation” means routine and non-routine operation and maintenance of the hydropower plant and support facilities, and “project performance” includes the entire period of construction and operation.



As specified in various required actions, or as otherwise agreed by the parties, once produced, a project-level ESAP may be further revised from time to time during project performance. No changes will allow violations of Kazakhstan law or of EBRD requirements for environmental and social performance.


KAZAKHSTAN RENWEABLE ENERGY FINANICNG FACILITYN (KAZREFF)

9.3 ESAP FOR SMALL HYDROPOWER PROJECTS


etc.)

Date to be completed Measure of success







PR1




PR1




PR1










- Include in ESHS report information



etc.)



- Methods to control odour and pests;




PR1 on plan preparation and waste management compliance status





- Contractor reports on performance sufficient to allow inclusion of data in ESHS reports to the Bank, and to allow developer to


PR1





- Training




etc.)


determine if corrective actions are needed; and,


1.6 - Obtain all required permits for the projects and comply with permit requirements.


PR1




1.7 - Monitor performance of project during operation against the environmental and social standards and objectives set and submit regular reports to EBRD at agreed timescales and for an agreed period (likely to be a number of years).














etc.)














PR2





- Job- and task-specific hazard analysis and controls for developer and contractor’s


PR2





- Include in ESHS reports to Bank data on performance by developer and contractors (hours worked, accidents,



etc.)


activities;






lost time, etc.).



PR2


Compliance



3.1 Examine in detail the potential impacts of the projects on the level and flow of surface waters compared to their natural state and considering existing demands upon water resources

PR3 Prior to construction Surface water assessment reports.

3.2 Examine in detail the potential impacts of the projects on the level and flow of groundwaters compared to their natural state.

PR3 Prior to construction Groundwater assessment reports.

3.3 Implement mitigation measures and best management practices to prevent / reduce / control air pollution from fugitive dust and






etc.)


vehicle / equipment emissions.

- Control dust emissions in dry periods by using water or other dust suppression methods on roads and other areas that may generate dust;





PR3

3.4 Develop erosion, sediment and water quality control plan for all areas where the ground and riverbed will be disturbed during construction. Plan should (at a minimum):

- Specify use of good housekeeping practices and best management practices to minimise siltation dispersal, such as settling ponds, using silt curtains along all waterways, straw bales, check-dams, and seeding for example;

- Keep hard-standing areas and road surfaces


PR3






etc.)


clean from mud and oil build up;

- Keep stockpiles covered, minimise bare ground near rivers;

- Store hazardous and potentially polluting materials in bunded, secure, areas away from watercourse and pathways to watercourses (e.g. drains, ditches);


- Particular attention should be given to minimising erosion and stormwater runoff into streams and aquatic habitat at critical areas or time periods for aquatic life;

- Silt collected in any device or structure should be cleaned away regularly; and,

- Inspections of vehicles and equipment for leaks before use near or in water.

3.5 Where applicable, onduct dredging in rivers only if there is no feasible alternative, and only after full consultation with authorities. If dredging of rivers is needed, develop dredging management plan that requires, at a minimum:

- Limit dredging to periods when there is no spawning or rearing of young fish. Seek advice from knowledgeable aquatic biologist to select periods of least impact on aquatic ecosystem;


PR3

Plan required before dredging

Agreement by authorities

Report to EBRD on planning and implementation



etc.)


- Consider alternative dredging techniques to reduce impacts, including suction dredging; and,

- Include dredged material in waste management plan under item 1.4 above.








PR3





PR3



3.8 Developer to ensure that the project team has a high level of preparedness for emergencies (such


Throughout construction and

Potential major incidents identified and avoided through emergency planning; if



etc.)


as earthquakes and major dam failures) and that an appropriate emergency plans is in place and understood by developer and contractor staff. Include the local community in the emergency plan.

PR3 PR4 operation major incidents occur, these are handled according to the planned procedures.





For small HPP projects which will include the damming of watercourses and creation of new reservoirs, particular consideration should be given to processes such as methanogensis which may affect the release of greenhouse gases; and measures should be planed to avoid or reduce this potential effect (such as removal of vegetation from areas which will be subject to flooding during the formation of new reservoirs).


PR3






PR3

Planning prior to construction and implementation following construction.

Working areas reinstated with appropriate vegetation as soon as practicable following construction (it is recognised that could take a number of months or in some cases years).

3.11 Plan and implement preventative and avoidance Best international Prior to construction Potential pre-construction and



etc.)


techniques to minimise the exacerbation of effects caused by landslides – which could arise from land use changes due to project activities – through careful siting, land grading and planting.

practices.

PR3 PR4

construction stage landslide issues identified and mitigated for.




- Soil erosion across the working area (as separate to erosion of banks and river bed within the watercourse).


PR3 PR4






- Methods to identify and prevent spread of those communicable diseases that can be


- Public notices

- Security training




etc.)


transmitted by the project components or its workforce (including contractors);









- Establish and enforce strict speed limits on- and off-site;


- PR4






etc.)




4.3 Develop a noise monitoring programme that will establish a pre-construction baseline and to ensure construction and operational noise is within Kazakhstan law and to minimise off-site disturbance to local population.



Robust baseline









PR5 PR4



5.2 If displacement is unavoidable, plan to improve or, at a minimum, restore the livelihoods and standards of living of any displaced persons to pre-project levels. Displaced persons could include those who have legally recognisable rights or claims to the land, those with

PR5 PR4





etc.)


customary clams to the land, those with no legally recognisable rights or clams to the land, seasonal resource users such as herders/fishing families, hunter and gathers who may have interdependent economic relations with communities located within the project area.







6.1 Undertake pre-construction ecological surveys and associated assessments of the project footprints (including ancillary works such as improvements to transmission lines and access roads) and surrounding areas to establish a robust baseline. Surveys and assessments should be included for terrestrial ecosystems and aquatic ecosystems as befits the specific project and situation. However, it is envisaged that for small HPP, surveys will particularly be needed for the following:

- Fish and aquatic organisms;

- Birds (including migratory species); and,

- Wide-ranging mammals (including bats,


PR6




etc.)


otter, brown bear, bison, lynx and wildcat).

6.2 Develop an Ecosystem Protection Plan following the ecological surveys. Follow the Biodiversity Mitigation Hierarchy: to Avoid, Minimise, Mitigate and Offset likely adverse effects. This plan to cover the construction and operational phases and to include consideration of all species and habitats applicable to the project.


PR6



6.3 Following construction, re-grade and re-vegetate disturbed areas with native grass and shrub species.


PR6


6.4 Avoid development within sites protected for their biodiversity under international or Kazakhstan law (habitats and/or species)


PR6


6.5 Provide sufficient regulation of water flows to ensure hydrological balance within protected biodiversity areas to maintain site integrity. Consider:

- utilising less sensitive site locations; or,

- implementing more “environmentally friendly” technologies or systems (such as using air-cooled condensers for cooling, where required, rather than surface water withdrawals).


PR6

To be planned prior to construction and implemented during construction

No net loss or a net gain of biodiversity

6.6 Undertake study of implications of the HPP on fish passage and establish requirements for controls on the timing of operations and/or


Prior to construction Reduced adverse effects on fish and other aquatic organisms



etc.)


inclusion of fish protection and passage facilities. PR6

6.7 Avoid, or mitigate for, the siting of HPP in areas important for nature tourism (including fishing rivers)


PR6












8.5 Develop measures to avoid, or where not possible to avoid, mitigate for potential loss or




etc.)


disruption to cultural practices or resources. Include information on finds in ESHS report to Bank.

8.6 Undertake a Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) of the project


PR8


8.7 Develop a Landscape Protection Plan following the LVIA. Follow the Mitigation Hierarchy: to Avoid, Minimise, Mitigate and Offset likely adverse effects upon the natural features and landscapes that have archaeological, paleontological, historical, architectural, religious, aesthetic or other cultural significance. This plan to cover the construction and operational phases and to consider the inclusion of the following aspects where applicable:

- Screening of works and operations;

- Sensitive route placement of power transmission lines, access roads and other associated works;

- Select construction materials to integrate development into the surrounding landscape;


PR8





10.2 Complete EBRD ESIA requirements for Category B projects with a disclosure package, to be agreed with EBRD, comprising of at least the




etc.)


SEP, this Environmental and Social Action Plan and a Non-technical summary of the environmental and social assessment undertaken.











Consultancy Contract C26157REV/JPNS-2013-02-01 Kazakhstan Renewable Energy Financing Facility (KazREFF) - Strategic Environmental Review Renewable Project Environmental Review Report - Biogas June 2014 ERM Japan Ltd. The Landmark Tower Yokohama 19th Floor, 2-2-1 Minatomirai, Nishi-ku YOKOHAMA 220-8119 Japan www.erm.com

Prepared For:

Contents

1.0 INTRODUCTION 1










3.1 COMPONENTS 11

3.1.1 LFG Collection System 12

3.1.2 Gas Cleaning System 14

3.1.3 Power Generation Systems 15

3.1.4 Flare Plants 19











5.1.1 Category A 28

5.1.2 Category B 29





6.0 APPENDICES 34

ERM 1 KasREFF SER RPER Biogas – June 2014

1.0 INTRODUCTION

This Renewable Project Environmental Review (RPER) Report for Biogas in Kazakhstan is one of four separate reports (other RPER reports were prepared for wind, small hydropower, and solar) that have been prepared by Environmental Recourses Management (ERM) for the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). These RPER reports are prepared to support the Kazakhstan Renewable Energy Financing Facility (KazREFF) Strategic Environmental Review (SER) and provide a resource to provide guidance to developers and their consultants, as well as technical evaluators of proposed renewable projects, by identifying areas of good potential and the nature and scale of technologies that can be applied in different parts of Kazakhstan.

It should be noted that for biogas, there are two types of facility that could be used: landfill gas (LFG) and anaerobic digestion of animal manure. The energy from animal manure is not feasible at this stage because Kazakhstan Renewable Energy Market Study (KREMS) indicated the energy was not viable or there was a significant lack of data to assess its viability; therefore, this RPER focuses on electricity generated from LFG.




• Mercados Energy Markets International, Kazakhstan Renewable Energy Market Study (KREMS), Draft Final Report, July 2013 (ÅF-Mercados EMI (2013));

• Black and Veatch, Renewable Energy in Ukraine Technical Report: Biogas, 1 September 2011 (Black and Veatch 2011).




This section of the report identifies the characteristics of the biogas rich resource areas of the country and the regions of Kazakhstan where biogas facility development is technically feasible. It also assesses the nature and extent of constraints to the development of biogas electricity generating facilities.


Kazakhstan is the world’s ninth largest country being some 2.7 million km2 in extent. Figure 1 shows the different oblasts of Kazakhstan. The western regions are dominated by extensive lowlands that include Aral and Caspian Seas, while the centre of the country is characterised by rolling hills with peaks up to 1,565 m. The south eastern and south western parts of the country are bordered by mountain ranges. Approximately 10 per cent of the country is occupied by mountains (Figure 2). Kazakhstan has a number of cities with populations exceeding 50,000 people, and thereby likely to have landfills, indicating that potential biogas resources that could be available for exploitation.




LFG is produced by the natural decomposition of the organic matter contained in municipal landfills and is composed of 40 to 60 per cent methane on a volumetric basis. Gas production at a landfill is primarily dependent on both the depth and the age of waste in place and the amount of precipitation received by the landfill. In general, LFG recovery may be economically feasible at sites that have more than one million tons of waste in place, more than 10 hectares available for gas recovery, waste depth greater than 12 meters, and at least 60 centimetres of precipitation annually.

With the exception of an existing biogas facility located in the Qarasu/Qostanay Region, however, there is no available information regarding the location and size of existing landfills in Kazakhstan. In general, it can be assumed that those of sufficient size are typically located near large population areas.

Figure 3 presents a map showing the potential areas for developing LFG facilities. This map identifies all areas within 50 km of cities supporting populations exceeding 50,000 people. It is assumed that these cities may have associated municipal solid waste landfills capable of supporting a LFG facility.

The urban population of Kazakhstan (10 million people) produces nearly 2 million tons of municipal solid waste per year, out of which 80 per cent is used on land (as fertilizer). Potential for heat and energy production in decentralised integrated rubbish recycling plants is approximately 100-175 MW depending on separation of raw materials by groups. Landfill gas may


be the most economic means to access this resource. Overall, economic potential for LFG in Kazakhstan is estimated at one TWh per year.


Figure 3 Biogas Resource Map



None of the strategic plans for the development of renewable energy identify specific targets for biogas-sourced energy generation. Based on the information in the KREMS study, biogas is expected to be a minor contributor to RES generation in Kazakhstan due to limited information addressing good candidate landfill sites and other technical factors. As a result, there are not specific drivers for biogas projects in particular in Kazakhstan.

Kazakhstan has very large coal, oil, gas and uranium resources that are all being actively exploited. The country is the third largest producer of crude oil in Central Asia, behind Russia and China and has the third largest reserves outside of the OPEC member countries. One result of the abundance of energy resources has been the lack of a driver for developing renewable energy on the basis of a scarcity of indigenous energy resources. Nevertheless, other drivers needed to be (and were) identified such as the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, to strengthen local power supply and to act as an economic stimulus1.


To realise the biogas energy potential of Kazakhstan biogas electricity generating facilities will need to be in general proximity to existing transmission lines and the existing electricity grid will need to have adequate capacity to receive the power generated. Fortunately, since these candidate landfills are located near developed areas, this will not be a significant issue. However, in general, sites that are situated a great distance from load centres or major transmission lines face greater development costs and are generally less favourable than sites with better access to these facilities. Larger projects are able to locate farther away from transmission while smaller projects are located closer to transmission, due to economies of scale of larger projects to absorb higher transmission costs2.


The grid in Kazakhstan is state-owned and operated by the Kazakhstan Electricity Grid Operating Company (KEGOC). There are also 21 regional energy companies (RECs) that distribute electricity on a regional monopoly basis. Due to the size of Kazakhstan the network is characterised by long distance transmission. The Kazakhstan transmission network dates back to the Soviet era and has a history of underinvestment. However at present it has sufficient capacity and no voltage problems. The majority of the 1 Lessons learnt from the UNDP-GEF project “Kazakhstan — Wind Power Market Development Initiative, UNDP Kazakhstan, 2011. 2 Black & Veatch 2011


population is connected to the grid, less than 5 per cent of the population, located primarily in rural areas, are without electricity. However, in some areas power cuts or discontinuous supply are not uncommon due to grid capacity issues and a lack of local generation facilities. In addition, in some regions the industrial base has expanded and investment in power infrastructure has failed to keep pace. Figure 4 shows the areas of greatest population density and domestic energy demand in Kazakhstan.








Developing biogas power projects in the south could help solve the problem of the overload of the north-south transmission lines. The northern zone has an excess of generation, but development would still be an advantage in order to reduce the power imports from neighbouring Russia. The western grid operates separately and currently has a load shortage of about 100 MW, which is also covered by power import from Russia.

Demand in southern Kazakhstan is significant due to the higher population. This is also an opportunity for biogas because the greater population density also means there are more candidate landfills for biogas.


95

90

390480

700

1173

658

1720

1180

160

1020

1020

860

160

1620

348

1862

337 1823160

8501609

209700

3195

320


In general, the existing transmission system should not be an impediment to biogas power development, although there are areas where accessing transmission would be prohibitively costly. Most of the biogas power projects would be small to moderate in size (2 MW to 10 MW) and while such projects do impact transmission flows, they are dwarfed by the existing hydro and coal plants, which are mostly greater than 400 MW. The existing transmission lines have been planned for these larger projects, so where lines exist, the addition of one or two small projects is not likely to upset the dynamics of the system unless the system is already at its capacity limit. The limits of the system could only be determined by a full system flow analysis for individual projects, but, in general, capacity availability should not be a problem.


The suitability assessment of the transmission grid for development of biogas assumes that there is no investment in the electricity grid of Kazakhstan. However it should be noted that considerable network development both on-going and planned is being undertaken by Government of the RoK and KEGOC.



• Construction of a 500 kV substation "Alma" ( located in the area of Almaty) with connection to the NEN This will


eliminate the overloading of existing "Almaty" substation and ensure the reliability of power supply to the Almaty region; and




At this time, only one known biogas facility, a 375-450 kW plant located in the Qarasu/Qostanay Region, has been operating since August 2011, generating about 2 GWh per year.


There are no known utility-scale biogas facilities proposed currently in Kazakhstan. However, EBRD recently provided financing to build a biogas plant to provide local power for a wastewater treatment facility in Shymkent which is scheduled to come online in late 2013.

EBRD representatives recently met with a group of biogas developers in Astana to discuss KazREFF program and there was considerable interest in developing biogas projects once the feed-in-tariff system is better defined.



This section looks at the type of technology that would be employed for biogas power generation in Kazakhstan. It details the key activities and environmental and physical constraints to be taken into consideration for the construction, operation and decommissioning of a potential site. It also discusses the current status of the biogas facility power supply chain in Kazakhstan.

3.1 COMPONENTS

In general, the characteristics of LFG are:

• Produced with solid waste decomposition in anaerobic conditions

• Amount & composition dependent on solid waste characteristics

• Increase in organics equals an increase in gas generation • Gas production ends with end of decomposition • Typical Composition

o Methane: 50 per cent to 60 per cent o Carbon Dioxide: 40 per cent to 50 per cent o Non Methane Organic Compounds: Trace o Heating Value: 500 Btu/scf = 500 X 1054.54 [J] /

0.028317 [Nm3] = 18.62 [MJ/Nm3] o Moisture Content: Saturated

A LFG project is usually located at or near an existing landfill site, which needs to be partially or completely covered in order to capture the biogas. Due to the productivity declines of landfills following being capped, electricity generation or capacity factor of projects decline over time.

A biogas facility using LFG is typically comprised of a LFG collection system to extract trapped gases in the landfill, a gas cleaning system to remove, at a minimum, sediment and moisture from the gas, and a power generation system to combust the gas to generate electricity and heat. There may be an additional boiler to utilize the waste heat from the combustion for steam or hot water applications. Figure 7 depicts a typical modern LFG facility.

The following sections detail the typical biogas facility components required for these projects and the performance and operation of a typical facility. Project costs and component availability in Kazakhstan are also discussed.


Figure 7 Typical Modern LFG Facility

Source: Green Power EMC (http://www.greenpoweremc.com)

3.1.1 LFG COLLECTION SYSTEM

A LFG collection system consists of multiple vertical extraction wells, horizontal collectors, headers and condensate system.

Vertical extraction wells are most common approach for recovering LFG and install in existing or operational disposal area, as shown in Figure 8. The depth of waste is preferably more than 10 meters. Vertical extraction wells are installed at an interval of about 2.5 wells per hectare.

Figure 8 Vertical Extraction Well

Source: Global Methane Initiative

http://www.greenpoweremc.com/


Horizontal Collectors are an alternative approach for LFG recovery and are installed in shallow areas and in existing or operational disposal area, as shown in Figure 9. Horizontal collectors are installed at a spacing of about 30 to 100 m and are used in landfills with elevated leachate levels.

Figure 9 Horizontal Collectors


Headers are the pathway for LFG from wellheads to blowers and can be laid above-grade or underground as shown in Figure 10. The size of headers depends on flow rate and pressure drop. Pipe configuration is often looped to provide alternative flow paths. Headers are sloped to promote condensate drainage. Unusual drops in vacuum normally occur due to condensate blockages inside headers. The condensate system is depicted in Figure 8. Condensate volume depends on LFG temperature and flow. LFG is assumed to be 100 per cent saturated with water and its temperature is typically 32 to 54 degrees centigrade. LFG cools in the LFG collection piping and the moisture condenses out into the piping. Piping is designed to allow condensate to drain and traps allow for drainage by gravity.


Figure 10 Condensate System


A blower is necessary to pull the gas from the collection wells into the collection header and convey the gas to downstream treatment and energy recovery systems, as shown in Figure 11. The size, type, and number of blowers needed depend on the gas flow rate and pressure drop to downstream processes.

Figure 11 Blowers


3.1.2 GAS CLEANING SYSTEM

LFG is dewatered and filtered with condenser/separator in Gas Cleaning System, as shown in Figure 12. LFG is more likely to contain odorous compounds such as terpenes and carbonyls. Raw gas from industrial waste contains the highest levels of arsenic. The total sulphur content of raw landfill gas is about half hydrogen sulphide and half organic sulphides and thiols. Thus, depending on the types of contaminants found in the LFG and the type of energy conversion technology employed, some gas cleaning technologies may be needed at this stage. No separate odour controls are


used. Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) is an extremely reactive compound that forms an acidic solution with water in the gas processing equipment. The H2S present in digester gas and LFG is the primary contributory factor to shortened usable life of many of the components in the biogas system. In addition, H2S is a dangerous compound that can be lethal at concentrations above 700 ppm.

Figure 12 Gas Cleaning/Cooling System

Source: Waste Management

When left unchecked, these contaminants can increase the maintenance requirements of the equipment fuelled by the gas, reduce equipment life, and prevent the gas from being suitable for pipeline injection. At a minimum, most primary processing systems include de-watering and filtration to remove moisture and particulates. It is common in new projects to remove water vapour or humidity in the LFG by using gas cooling and compression. LFG used for power generation; however, does not need to be cleaned to pipeline quality methane.

3.1.3 POWER GENERATION SYSTEMS

Power production from LFG facilities is limited by the LFG flow rate from the landfill due to the volume of waste in place and is typically less than 10 MW. Technologies used for power generation include microturbines, internal combustion engines (ICE), and gas turbines. These are typically selected based on the quantities of gas collected, emissions considerations, and project economics. ICE and gas turbines are the most common.

Microturbines

Microturbines are attractive for small landfills that produce 400 to 3,000 cubic metres of LFG per day, making on-site generation available to plants that formerly did not have this option. However, their application is limited due to the higher cost per unit of power capacity. Additional, on-site power generation at landfills is a relatively new technology, with the first commercial units installed in 1998. Microturbines are small gas combustion turbines that operate at very high speeds. They are modular packaged units


consisting of air bearings and a single moving part that incorporates the turbine shaft and generator, and are typically rated at less than 300 kW. For the KazREFF, projects of 30-250 kW are being considered as 300 kW+ systems have only recently become available to the market. Full systems which include an enclosure for noise reduction and protection from weather are also available. The package includes both the microturbine generator and the cooling/heat recovery equipment. Multiple units can be installed in parallel for higher capacity, as shown in Figure 13.

Figure 13 Multiple Microturbine System


Benefits of microturbines include minimal noise and relatively low emissions compared to reciprocating ICEs and simple cycle gas turbines.

All microturbines operating on gaseous fuels feature lean premixed combustor technology, which is not generally included in all larger turbines, and therefore they have potential for very low emissions. Microturbines are designed to achieve the objective of low emissions at full load; emissions are often higher when operating at part load. Gas cleaning will be required if any fuel contaminant in the LFG exceed manufacturer specifications. The key characteristics of microturbines are summarized as follows:

• Advantages o Low emissions o Multiple fuel capability o Light weight/small size o Fuel pre-treatment not required o Lower maintenance costs

• Disadvantages o Inefficient o High installed capital cost $/kW

Internal Combustion Engine (ICE)


ICEs are by far the most common generating technology choice. A majority of facilities that generate electricity from LFG use this technology. The reasons for such widespread use are relatively low cost, high efficiency, and load profile matching the gas output of many landfills. Figure 14 shows an example of a reciprocating engine used for LFG energy generation.

Figure 14 ICE System


The equipment typically consists of a skid-mounted package of a reciprocating engine, generator and a control panel. The popularity of engine generators is attributed to availability from multiple suppliers and familiarity of plant maintenance personnel with the engine, which resembles an automobile engine. The engine is typically a spark-ignited natural gas engine modified and de-rated for use with lower heating value gas. Because of its higher efficiency and lower air emissions, the engine generator of choice is typically a turbocharged lean-burn engine with a synchronous alternator. While most turbocharged engines require compressors to boost gas pressure to a sufficient level, the newer turbocharged lean-burn (low emissions) engines and compress the mixture with the turbocharger. Naturally aspirated engines are rarely specified, and are used only for very small units and where air emissions are not a concern.

Because most engine generators that are fuelled with LFG are employed in continuous duty applications, lower speed units are more often selected for long-term use. The primary emissions from these generators are nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulphur oxides (SOx), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2) and particulate matter (PM). Emissions of SOx are directly related to the sulphide content in LFG.


Multiple engine generator units are used to match gas production rates. Engine generators are typically housed in a building where they are readily accessible for servicing. Cooling systems typically include heat exchangers to recover the heat from the jacket cooling water.

A 500 kW system typically requires around 5,000 cubic metres of LFG a day, while a 3 MW system would require around 26,000 cubic metres of LFG a day, depending on the gas quality and the heat rate of the installed equipment. The key characteristics of ICEs are summarized as follows:

• Advantages o Proven and reliable o Efficient o High availability > 92 per cent o Do not require LFG pre-treatment

• Disadvantages o High O&M costs o High NOx and CO emissions

Gas Turbine

At larger landfill sites with higher levels of LFG production, around 30,000 cubic metres per day or greater, gas turbine generators can be used. These are available in unit sizes from about one to six MW. Gas turbines are fairly tolerant of some contaminants in LFG. LFG contaminants such as ash, alkalis (sodium and potassium), and sulphur result in alkali sulphate deposits, which impede flow, degrade performance, and cause corrosion in the turbine hot section.

A turbine generator unit consists of a gas combustion turbine connected to a generator through speed reducing gearboxes. The unit is typically packaged on skids (modular mounting hardware), with individual weather protective and sound attenuation enclosures, as shown in Figure 15.

Figure 15 Gas Turbine System



Performance declines at higher ambient temperatures. Combustion turbines are available to be configured to combust gas of relatively low energy content such as LFG that is not of pipeline quality. In addition to the turbine generator package, another skid-mounted module may be included with support equipment. The emissions from gas turbines are generally higher than for microturbines but lower than reciprocating ICEs. The key characteristics of gas turbines are summarized as follows:

• Advantages o Corrosion resistant o Low O&M costs o Small physical size o Lower NOx emissions

• Disadvantages o Inefficient at partial load o High parasitic loads, due to high gas compression

requirements o Require LFG pre-treatment

3.1.4 FLARE PLANTS

Flare plants are installed to control LFG emissions during energy recovery system start-up and downtime and to control gas that exceeds the capacity of the energy conversion equipment. Two types of flare are generally used:

• Enclosed flares (aka ground flares) • Open flares (aka candle-stick flares)

These flares are depicted in Figure 16

Flare plant consists of flare, LFG piping, flame arrestor, flow meter, pilot fuel supply, blowers, moisture separator, auto shutoff valves and control panel.

Figure 16 Flare Plants


Enclosed Flare Open Flare

Source : Global Methane Initiative

Enclosed flares

Enclosed flare systems are generally more expensive than open flares but hide the flame from view. Other specific characteristics are:

• Flare body usually circular : 9 to 12 metres high • LFG combusted close to ground • Typical operating temperature is 760 to 870 degrees C • Typical destruction of 98 to 99 per cent

Open flares

Open flares are less expensive and smaller than enclosed flares and the flame is visible to the outside.


Microturbines, ICE, gas turbines, and CHP are induction generations and result in increased harmonic content when converting power to AC. Increasing harmonic content can create stability concerns for an interconnection, especially within weaker power systems (e.g. radial distribution lines). Induction generators also have sub-transient reactance inherent to the machine, which contributes to high fault current at lower voltages. Different padmount transformer configurations can also increase or decrease the amount of fault current onto the system, so it is important to design the system to keep the zero sequence impedance to a minimum, but still have a ground reference (so no overvoltage scenarios occur). Series neutral reactors or resistors can be added to the neutral connections of the collection system to increase the zero sequence impedance, thus decreasing the fault current.


Biogas plants have a distinct operational advantage, as they can be used as a base load plant, since the fuel source can be controlled and scheduled. This allows for load following and the reduction of voltage imbalances to the system which cause stability issues like flicker.

Biogas projects are typically only up to 5 MW in size and can be interconnected at distribution voltages, but should not exceed the maximum load of a substation. It is usually too costly to facilitate an interconnection at a higher voltage; however, there are no technical constraints to doing so. At distribution voltages, it is more reliable to interconnect directly to a substation, not tap a line, due to the fault contribution to the system. Therefore, a new line needs to be added to connect the project to the nearest substation. For all biogas projects, regardless of size, load flow, short circuit, and stability studies should be completed to ensure that there are no unforeseen issues due to the specific interconnection point.


Several factors should be considered when selecting a site and designing its configuration. Chief site considerations include the size and age of the landfill as it relates to the amount of gas generation. In addition, consideration must also be made for space required to construct facilities for capturing and cleaning the LFG, access to the facilities, proximity to transmission lines, proximity to load centers, and capacity of existing transmission lines. In general, significant amounts of land are not required to support biogas plants. Issues such as visual and odor impacts on local community are not likely a concern in these areas because they already are landfills. There are some other significant issues in Kazakhstan, identified in the SER that should be also considered when siting power facilities:

• Flood prone areas – Construction of biogas facilities in areas prone to flooding could result in the damage of equipment and associated infrastructure. In general, construction in flood prone areas should be avoided. If it is not feasible to avoid flood prone areas, special design modifications to protect equipment should be considered.

• Seismicity, mudflows, and landslides - Construction of biogas facilities in areas of high seismicity or in areas prone to mudflows and landslides could result in the damage to equipment and associated infrastructure. In general, construction in high risk areas for these hazards should be avoided.

• Contaminated lands – Construction of biogas facilities on landfills is obviously going to result in exposure to contamination. Use of existing landfills is clearly a beneficial use of degraded areas; however, special consideration must be made to ensure the health of workers


that could be exposed to contaminants during construction activities, especially during construction of the LFG collection system.

• Land use - Biogas facilities are only feasible on closed and covered landfills. If these covered landfills are being used for other purposes such as recreation or other land uses, placing a biogas facility may not be a compatible use. When siting a biogas facility, the potential for concurrent land uses should be evaluated.

• Proximity to transmission grid and loading – In general, facilities should be located proximate to existing substations with capacity on the transmission grid. Biogas facilities become to become less economical at increasing distances from substations due to the costs associated with extending distribution or transmission lines to the biogas plant.

3.3.1 CONSTRUCTION

Construction of a biogas power site is site specific as it relates to the type, size and location of the proposed facility. In general however the construction of a typical biogas power site will consist of the following phases:


• Creation of suitable access to site boundary; • Construction of access roads, securing site (e.g. fences, gates) • Clearing and grubbing of the site, removal of vegetation • Performing site grading and excavation (shallow), • Construction of underground utilities,(water, drainage) • Construction of gas collection facilities (LFG)

o Construction of wells o Installation of gas collection system o Installation of lining/cover

• Erection of steel and reinforced concrete structures, o Foundations for gas cleaning equipment, mechanical

power generation facilities, AD tanks, o Construction of formwork o Pouring, compacting concrete, curing and striping of

formwork o Erection of steel members

• Installation of mechanical equipment


o Gas cleaning equipment (foam/sediment, CO2 removal, H2S removal, dewatering, siloxane removal equipment)

o Power generation equipment (turbines, ICE, microturbines),

Additional activities may also be necessary at very remote locations or for very large facilities and could include construction of temporary offices, sanitary facilities, or other supporting works.


Once construction is complete, the biogas plant is commissioned. Commissioning involves standard tests for the collection systems, the gas cleaning systems, the turbines, flares, and all electrical infrastructure.

Of the RES technologies considered in the SER, biogas is the most labour intensive when considering long-term monitoring and maintenance. For all systems, regular monitoring and maintenance activities of the gas collection system, the gas cleaning/cooling system, and the blowers will be required. In addition, on-going maintenance will be required for all power generation equipment based on the power generation technology applied.

Microturbines

An overhaul (replacement of the main shaft and inspection/replacement of the combustor) is generally done every 20,000 hours. Microturbines are generally operated with frequent start-up cycles, at least one on-off cycle per day; there is some concern about the effects of this type of operation on component durability.

ICE

Engines require periodic inspections and routine service, generally comprising minor adjustments and replacement of engine oil, filter, coolant, and spark plugs every 500 to 2,000 hours of operation. A minor overhaul (rebuilding cylinder head and turbocharger) is generally performed every 8,000 to 10,000 hours of operation.

If siloxanes are present in the biogas and are not removed during the biogas treatment process, then the period for minor overhauls would likely be reduced to about 5,000 hours of operation. Major maintenance activities such as piston and liner replacement, crankshaft inspection, and bearing/seal replacements are generally performed every 30,000 to 72,000 hours of operation depending on the equipment and gas quality.

Gas Turbines

Daily maintenance requirements generally include visual inspection of filters and general equipment conditions. Routine inspections are required every


4,000 hours to insure that the turbine is free of excessive vibration due to worn bearings, rotors, and damaged blade tips. An overhaul is generally needed every 25,000 to 50,000 hours depending on service and is typically a complete inspection and rebuild of components to restore the gas turbine to nearly original or current (upgraded) performance standards. Alternatively the owner may elect to replace the turbine equipment in whole with new equipment.


The projected operational lifetime of a typical biogas plant is 15 years, depending in the size, age, and amount of decaying material in the landfill. After this period the site would be decommissioned. Prior to decommissioning, a decommissioning method statement, detailing or how the site will be restored is usually prepared and approved by the relevant authorities. In general, the above ground structures would be removed manually. Wells would be filled and sealed in place. Footers for equipment off the landfill would be removed and the voids backfilled with appropriate materials to support the land use at that time. Underground cables and deep concrete foundations are usually left in place as removal is likely to cause more disruption than leaving them in-situ. However, if techniques exist at that time to allow sensitive removal then these will be appraised and considered. Surface vegetation or soil make-up is also to be restored. The electrical control building and internal equipment is removed and reused or recycled where possible.


The typical capital costs, optimal capacity, annual O&M costs of the three biogas power systems are presented in Table 1. Extreme examples are not included.

Table 1 Capital and O&M Cost of LFG Electricity Generation Projects

Power system Optimal Project Size (capacity)

Typical Capital Costs (US$/kW

capacity)

Typical Annual O&M Costs

(US$/kW capacity)

Microturbine 1 MW 5,500 380

ICE 1 MW 2,300 210

Gas Turbine 3 MW 1,400 130

Source: USEPA



At present there is little utility-scale biogas development in Kazakhstan; however, ICE and gas turbines are all potentially available in the country as they are standard equipment. Microturbine generators are relatively new and the number of manufacturers is limited. Manufacture of microturbines is not yet thought to be done in Kazakhstan; however, it is microturbines are available from neighboring Russia, China as well as in Europe and North America. Collection system components are is also fairly standard equipment which is readily available in Kazakhstan. Key components for electronics include inverters and transformers, and cabling. These are all readily available within Kazakhstan. The technology and ability of the workforce to construct is also readily available in Kazakhstan.



A detailed assessment of environmental and social constraints related to biogas (and the other three RES evaluated) is provided in the SER Report. Environmental and social factors that could significantly impact the effectiveness, economic feasibility, and therefore, the siting of these facilities are addressed in Section 3.3 of this RPER. In addition, there are areas of high environmental and/or social sensitivity, the proximity of which should also be strongly considered. These environmental and/or social high sensitivity areas are discussed in detail in the SER and are summarized in this section.

• Protected/Designated Lands - Potential solar sites in or near other areas afforded legal protection, including National Parks, preserved lands would be discouraged given the relative lack of this habitat and the abundance of un-forested areas throughout the country. When siting facilities within a protected/designated area is unavoidable, additional impact mitigation measures will be required.

• Surface Water Quality - Due to clearing, grading, trenching and foundation construction for the biogas plant components, there is a potential for soil erosion during construction. Due to this potential, if biogas facilities are located within 1km of a surface water feature (e.g., intermittent or perennial stream, lakes, or ponds), a more detailed assessment of environmental effects and additional impact mitigation measures will be required.

• Cultural heritage - Special care should be taken to avoid siting biogas facilities at or within the viewshed of known and tentative UNESCO World Heritage sites due to the global uniqueness of these areas. Special care should also be taken to avoid placing SSH facilities on or near locally-registered cultural heritage sites. Given the low actual elevation of potential biogas facilities, the viewshed for these facilities is somewhat limited. Therefore, a viewshed buffer of 5 km should be placed around known and tentative UNESCO and national heritage features for biogas facility development. When siting facilities within a viewshed buffer is unavoidable, a more detailed assessment of environmental effects and additional impact mitigation measures will be required. Cultural heritage features themselves would be considered exclusion zones.

Cumulative effects - There are no recognized spatial adverse cumulative effects associated with biogas facilities; therefore, a spatial cumulative constraint assessment was not conducted.



Biogas projects funded under KazREFF will be subject to the following environmental and social requirements, as stipulated by EBRD:

















Due to the relatively small scale of the potential KazREFF projects, most would likely fall under Category B, as the potential adverse environmental and/or social effects that they may give rise to are typically site-specific, and/or readily identified and addressed through mitigation measures. However, the siting of biogas power facilities within or near sensitive/protected areas or in situations where impacts could be more severe may result in these being classified as Category A projects. This determination is made by EBRD and KazREFF in the initial project phases.

5.1.1 CATEGORY A



required).



5.1.2 CATEGORY B






























Based on additional guidance provided in the RoK EIA regulations, it is likely that biogas projects (and in fact, all RES projects) would be considered Category II and would require Category II EIA/OVOS documentation. However, the siting of biogas facilities within or near sensitive/protected areas may result in these being classified as Category I projects. This determination is made by MoE at the preliminary EIA stage.






• Ensure that projects are technically feasible






The appraisal process includes an initial screening of the project proposal against the criteria presented in this RPER, the SER report, and consideration of key environmental and social issues. This initial screening is conducted after the project proponent completes the Environmental and Social Issues Checklist – Biogas provided in Appendix B. This checklist includes identification of key environmental and social issues related to biogas (and cumulative impacts) and is reviewed by KazREFF’s environmental and social review team. Based on the review of the checklist, the project’s EBRD category will be determined and specific documentation requirements will be communicated to the project proponent.




Templates for the typical documents expected to support biogas projects (under Category B) are provided in Appendix C and include templates for the NTS (Appendix C.1), the SEP (Appendix C.2), and the ESAP (Appendix C.3). If a project is determined to be a Category A project, an ESIA would be required. Due to the very specialized nature of an ESIA, an ESIA template has not been provided. However, information in the SER report will be extremely useful to identify information necessary for the preparation of these documents. The information in the SER identifying the environmental baseline, the anticipated effects, and mitigation strategies should also be very useful to inform the Kazakh EIA.








6.0 APPENDICES

A - Gaps between EBRD PR for ESIA and Kazakhstan EIA Requirements

B – Environmental and Social Issues Checklist - Biogas




C.3 – Environmental and Social Action Plan (ESAP) - Biogas







Gap




None



None




Gap




None




Gap




None




Gap








None




Gap







Measures aimed at prevention and abatement of environmental pollution are specified in EIA documents (“Atmospheric Air”, “Water Resources”, and “Waste” sections). These measures provides for introduction of low-waste and waste-free technologies and special measures on i) prevention (abatement) of air emissions; ii) adverse impact mitigation; iii) air quality monitoring; iv) amounts and chemical composition of wastewater discharges; v) substantiation of the introduction of water circulating systems and wastewater reuse systems, recycling of sludge from wastewater treatment facilities; vi) groundwater protection against pollution

None




Gap

and depletion; and vii) recommendations related to recycling, treatment and disposal of all types of waste and waste recycling/waste disposal technologies.




None






Through the environmental and social appraisal process, the client will identify and characterize the potential impacts on biodiversity likely to be caused by the project. The extent of due diligence should be sufficient to fully characterize the risks and impacts, consistent with a precautionary

The EIA process also includes an assessment of impacts on vegetation in the project influence area (the presence of medicinal herbs; rare, endemic and Red Data Book-listed plat species), green space condition; forecasted changes of the

None




Gap

approach and reflecting the concerns of relevant stakeholders. The client will seek to avoid adverse impacts on biodiversity.

vegetation cover in the project implementation area and impacts of these changes on life and health of local communities; recommendations for conservation of vegetation communities, improvement of their condition, flora conservation and revegetation; recommendation for vegetation monitoring, etc. Furthermore, the EIA documents contain a baseline assessment of aquatic and terrestrial fauna (the presence of rare, endangered and Red Data Book-listed fauna species); measure to conserve and reproduce the integrity of natural communities and species diversity of aquatic and terrestrial fauna; food potential improvement; a wildlife monitoring programme. In addition, the presence of natural territories and landmarks under special protection in the territory of potential construction operations is considered.


In projects where Indigenous Peoples are likely to be affected, the client is required to carry out an assessment of impacts on Indigenous Peoples. Depending upon the outcome of this, the client is expected to first avoid adverse effects and where this is not feasible, to prepare and Indigenous Peoples’ Development Plan so as to minimize


The Kazakhstan EIA procedure does not consider issues related to Indigenous People. However, this is not typically an issue in Kazakhstan, where there is




Gap

and/or mitigate any potential adverse impacts. The client is also expected to implement a specific grievance mechanism and determine appropriate modalities for compensation and benefit-sharing.

no indigenous population.




None





Public opinion is given proper weight in the process of EIA development. Public opinion consideration format depends on the significance of planned economic activities and the extent of project influence on the environment and community health; much depends on stakeholders. The procedure

Kazakhstan requirements do not specify a detailed procedure for stakeholders identification and engagement or the grievance mechanism procedure.




Gap

and dates of public consultations is regulated by environmental supervisory authorities. Public opinion is mainly considered through public consultations. The results of public consultations are recorded in the form of a report where all key issues and disagreements between stakeholders and a client are recorded. Stakeholders’ comments and proposals are considered in design documents. Written proposals and comments from stakeholders (as an independent form of public opinion consideration) are collected for individual less significant projects of economic activities. At subsequent stages of project design, the procedure of public opinion consideration can be carried out through collection of written proposals and comments in respect of EIA findings for a certain industrial operation.


Kazakhstan Renewable Energy Financing Facility (KazREFF) - Strategic Environmental Review Appendix B – Environmental and Social Issues Checklist – Biogas






PROJECT NAME:

TYPE: BIOGAS USING LFG (Y/N) BIOGAS USING ANIMAL MANURE (Y/N)


Company Name:

Company Address:

Country:

Town/Location:



Name:

Title: Date:

Telephone:

Mobile:

E-mail:


Title: Date:



COMPANY PROFILE



D) Describe the main activities of the Company and its holdings including any biogas or other renewable energy projects (include a description

of the corporate structures and controls that are used to manage/oversee individual projects, including this one):


Start of construction (planned date) Start of operation (planned date) Installed capacity (MW) Annual net generation (MWh) Biogas fuel sources to be used? Method of biogas generation (LFG – microturbines, internal combustion engines or single-cycle gas turbines; Animal manure – anaerobic digester coupled with internal combustion engine, power only or combined heat and power (CHP))? Are data on biogas fuel availability accessible (yes/no) Measuring period for biogas fuel availability (start date / end date) Distance to interconnection grid (km): Voltage level of interconnection grid (kV): Voltage level of overhead line to interconnection point (kV):




yes no





1. Describe the Project and provide a map showing its components, including all biogas facility infrastructure, roads, transmission lines, grid connections and other required facilities and the approximate layout.

2. How were environmental and social issues incorporated into the siting and design optimisation process (see also questions under PR1 and PR6 below)? 2.1 What studies have been completed into air quality and emissions control? 2.2 What studies have been completed regarding water use (including water-use minimisation and re-use)? 2.3 What logistics, traffic and transport studies have been completed (including consideration of transport of animal manure, if applicable)? 2.4 What studies have been completed relating to potential impacts on local communities and other land-users?

3. Biogas resource issues – please describe: 3.1 Understanding of the operational regime for each facility and for any operations in tandem (if applicable); and, 3.2 Biogas resource measurements and sourcing information.

4. What meteorological data and monitoring information is available?







Yes: No:



Yes: No:



Yes: No:



Yes: No:



Yes: No:





Yes: No:






1.j Who is responsible for environmental management at the Company?

Name/title:

Phone/mobile:

Email:


Name/title:

Phone/mobile:

Email:


Name/title:

Phone/mobile:

Email:


Name/title:

Phone/mobile:

Email:


Yes: No:


Yes: No:


Yes: No:


1.m Does the Company routinely provide environmental Yes: No:



training for Company personnel? If yes, please describe the training provided:


Yes: No:



1.n Will the Company use contractors during the construction and/or operational phases of the Project?

Yes No



Yes No


Yes No



Yes: No:





Name/title

Phone/mobile:

Email:


Yes: No:




Yes: No:


Yes: No:



Yes: No:



Yes: No:



Yes: No:



Yes: No:



Number:



Yes: No:



Yes: No:


Have there been any other significant labour issues raised by the media or by non-governmental

Yes: No:



organisations? If yes, please describe:


Yes: No:




Does the Company apply any restrictions to the tasks that can be done by younger workers?

Yes: No:



Yes: No:


Yes: No:







Yes: No:



Yes: No:



Yes: No:








2.q Will there be employment opportunities for local stakeholders?

Yes: No:

If yes, please describe these opportunities:









Name/title:

Phone/mobile:

Email:


Yes:

No:


Is there sufficient information to confirm that construction will not result in land slips or other

Yes:

No:



environmentally damaging incidents? (This is also relevant to PR-4 Community Health, Safety and Security)



Yes: No:


Yes: No:


Yes: No:

2.u Is there a current Health & Safety Action Plan for the Company?

Yes: No:

If yes, please provide a copy of the latest update.


Yes: No:



Yes: No:



Yes: No:



Yes: No:



Yes: No:


2.y How does the Company ensure that workers employed



by its contractors, sub-contractors or labour agents are protected by the same labour and health and safety standards as those that apply to the Company’s own employees?




Yes: No:



Yes: No:




Air Emissions





Water Use














Yes: No:






Yes: No:



Yes: No:



Yes: No:







Yes: No:



Yes: No:



Yes No


How much of each?







Yes: No:







Yes: No:



Yes: No:




Yes: No:








Yes: No:

Name:

Title:

Phone/mobile:

Email:


Yes: No:





Yes: No:



Yes: No:




Yes: No:




Yes: No:



Yes: No:







Yes: No:



Yes: No:
















Yes: No:



Yes: No:







Yes: No:



Yes: No:


8.c Has the Company consulted with the national, regional, Yes: No:



and/or local agency(ies) responsible for protecting cultural resources?



Yes: No:







Yes: No:

Name:

Title:

Phone/mobile:

Email:


Yes: No:



Yes: No:



Yes: No:


10.f Has the company undertaken any consultations with Yes: No:



stakeholders – including national, regional, and local authorities, NGOs, businesses, citizens?


10.g Does the Company have plans to implement community development activities (e.g. is there a corporate social responsibility plan)?

Yes: No:






DATE


Prepared for:

CONTENTS


1 Introduction 68




7.0 Introduction








XXXX (add details)


XXXX (add details)





Complete all contact

Address:

Phone:


details

Email:











Key Features



XXX – add details









Water Supply


Noise

Waste Management

Cultural Heritage

Tourism

Visual Landscape

Socio-economics

Traffic Management




Others…

Contents


Prepared for:



CONTENTS


1 Introduction 75

1.1 Background 75


















6 Timetable 84




10.0 Introduction































- Meaningful consultation. The consultation process will be based on the disclosure of information relevant to the Project activities and operations. The consultation process




will be undertaken in a manner that is inclusive and culturally appropriate for all stakeholders, including effected communities and vulnerable groups.















• Stage 2 (between July 2013 and September 2013). In Stage 2, the SER Environmental Scoping Report was published on the KazREFF SER website at http://www.kazreff-ser.com. EBRD conducted half-day scoping meetings on 16 and 18 July 2013 in Astana and Almaty, respectively, to encourage broad stakeholder participation in the development of the SER. Outreach activities, including mailing, emailing and telephoning contacts, were undertaken with 86 organizations representing a variety of stakeholders in the Astana and Almaty areas including government, developers, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), consultants, and advisory bodies. Eighteen organizations representing a variety of stakeholders participated in the meetings.














Proposed Media




Company website??

www.kazreff.com ??


XXX For example…


XXX






Proposed Media

Unions:

• XXX

XXX For example…

- Official correspondence. - Union newsletter. - Information on request to union representatives.

XXX



Radio: XXX

Company website??

www.kazreff.com ??




XXX


with the Institute

XXX




XXX




- Meetings

XXX




Company website??

www.kazreff.com ??

Others..





14.1 DISCLOSURE OF GENERAL INFORMATION Provide details of general information disclosure – website, company reports etc.







15.0 Timetable




XXX XXX XXX

XXX XXX XXX



XXX

Before construction



XXX




XXX




XXX

After construction


• XXX








– XXX



During construction, grievances in relation to construction activities will be managed by company name XXX and construction contractor. Local residents will be informed about the



contractors contact information before construction begins, through the local media (listed in the table above) and announcements in public places.





XXX

Company: XXX

Postal Address: XXX

Telephone: XXX

E-mail address: XXX

Hotline: XXX




Full Name




� By Telephone: _______________________________________________

� By E-mail _______________________________________________





Signature: _______________________________

Date: _______________________________


Address __________________________: Tel.: _________


or E-mail: ___

CONTENTS


DATE

Kazakhstan Renewable Energy Financing Facility (KazREFF) PROJECT NAME Environmental and Social Action Plan - Biogas

Prepared for:

CONTENTS





1.3 ESAP for biogas projects 93


PROJECT OVERVIEW

– PROJECT APPROACH To encourage businesses to pursue sustainable energy projects, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has launched the Kazakhstan Renewable Energy Financing Facility (KazREFF). KazREFF aims to ‘provide development support and debt finance to renewable energy projects which meet required commercial, technical and environmental standards’. KazREFF not only provides tailor-made financing, but also provides technical assistance for businesses and local authorities based on information gathered and analysed by stakeholders to promote projects that are often challenging to finance and implement.



– SCOPE OF THIS ESAP This ESAP is for the biogas renewable energy scenario; It includes a series of actions to be undertaken in order to manage – that is, to plan and implement specific measures to avoid, reduce, control, or otherwise mitigate – potential environmental, occupational health and safety, and social impacts during construction and operation 6 . This ESAP should be considered as a template which will be reviewed and amended by project proponents who wish to develop specific biogas projects (utilising either landfill gas (LFG) or animal manure) funded by KazREFF in the future; and will be part of the contract between the project developer and EBRD. It is envisaged that EBRD will require performance of the required actions to be regularly reported and that it will periodically monitor implementation of the ESAP.

The table below presents the actions required by this ESAP, organised by the EBRD’s Performance Requirements. These actions should be added to as befits the individual project

6 For purposes of this ESAP, “construction” includes all actions in the field to construct the project, including support and ancillary facilities such as construction camps, roads, temporary or permanent buildings, staging areas, etc. “Operation” means routine and non-routine operation and maintenance and support facilities, and “project performance” includes the entire period of construction and operation.


situation; If there is a good reason to remove an action from the table this can be agreed with the EBRD during the development of the project. The table shows the source and timing of the requirement and the criteria by which performance of the action will be evaluated. Implementation of all the actions will be the responsibility of project developer. When other companies perform work under contract, the developer will be responsible for those contractors’ compliance with the requirements of the ESAP. This is expected to be accomplished by inclusion of appropriate requirements in contracts and subcontracts, and by direct oversight and supervision by the developer as needed.




– ESAP FOR BIOGAS PROJECTS


etc.)









PR1




PR1




PR1






1.4 Develop comprehensive waste management plans for the project. Plans should include (at a






etc.)



minimum):



- Measures to minimise waste generation and maximise reuse and recycling (for example, options for reusing digestate – generated as part of the biogas (using animal manure) generation process – through reprocessing and using as feriliser).


PR1 - Include in ESHS report information on plan preparation and waste management compliance status



- Assignment of clear responsibilities within developer for contractor oversight of the


PR1





- Training

- Contractor summaries (both at contractor level and compiled project level) in terms of environmental and



etc.)



projects;


- Contractor reports on performance sufficient to allow inclusion of data in ESHS reports to the Bank, and to allow developer to determine if corrective actions are needed; and,


OHS performance summaries



PR1









- Report annually on key worker data,



etc.)










including dismissals and new hires, status of medical checks, etc.; and,










- Construction camps must comply with


PR2






etc.)



Kazakhstan law and provide adequate heating, showering and cooking facilities.


- Job- and task-specific hazard analysis and controls for developer and contractor’s activities;







PR2





- Include in ESHS reports to Bank data on performance by developer and contractors (hours worked, accidents, lost time, etc.).



PR2


Compliance




etc.)




3.1 Implement mitigation measures and best management practices to prevent / reduce / control air pollution from construction and operational biogas generation process.

During construction:

- Controls on vehicle emissions during construction (material deliveries and on-site plant movements);

- Control dust emissions in dry periods by considerate siting and access routes, and where necessary using water or other dust suppression methods on roads and construction areas that may generate dust;






PR3


Minimal air pollution (including dust generation)



etc.)



Emissions controls during operation of biogas plants should ensure compliance with Kazakhstan and EU standards, including consideration of:

- Gas cleaning (to remove contaminants in source gas);

- Monitoring and control of emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur oxides (SOx), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2) and particulate matter (PM);

- Continuous Emissions Monitoring (CEM) equipment; and,

- Controls on odour emissions (although these may be less than previous odour levels for existing LFG / livestock farms).

3.2 Develop water resource plan to minimise the volumes of water used and consider appropriate techniques to operate the biogas generation without causing detriment to other users of water resources.


PR3

Prior to construction Minimise water resource use

3.3 Develop erosion, sediment and water quality control plan for all areas where the ground will be disturbed during construction or that have a pathway to the site area and for areas where fuel storage during operation could result in


PR3

Prior to construction Mitigated adverse impacts on water quality




etc.)



pollution to watercourses.

Plan should (at a minimum):



- During construction, keep stockpiles covered and minimise bare ground near rivers;

- Store hazardous and potentially polluting materials (including animal manure (potential biogas fuel) which is mobile and could cause pollution of surface water) in bunded, secure, areas away from watercourse and pathways to watercourses (e.g. drains, ditches);


- Sediment and silt collected in any device or structure (such as sediments and moisture removed prior to combustion of LFG) should



etc.)



be stored in secure covered areas and regularly disposed (where reuse or recycling is not possible);


- Particular attention should be given to avoiding steep slopes and implementing erosion control measures, and promptly re-vegetating cleared land with appropriate native species.








PR3





etc.)



3.5 Ensure appropriate containment and disposal of construction and operational wastewater, including sanitary water, waste-water from fuel digestion process and contaminated storm water. All sanitary and storm water to be collected and (if not able to reuse) delivered to a nearby waste water treatment works.


PR3



3.6 Developer to ensure that the project team has a high level of preparedness for emergencies (such as earthquakes and major dam failures where applicable) and that an appropriate emergency plans is in place and understood by developer and contractor staff. Include the local community in the emergency plan.


PR3 PR4








PR3






PR3

Planning prior to construction and implementation following

Working areas reinstated with native vegetation where appropriate and as soon as practicable following construction (it is recognised that could take a number of months or in some



etc.)



construction. cases years).


- Site selection and facilities arrangement (including transmission lines, access roads, etc);


- Soil erosion across the working area.


PR3 PR4




- Suitable buffer areas around sites to minimise risk to public health and nuisance;

- Control of odour and airborne materials that could be detrimental to health (such as dust or particulate matter);



- Methods to identify and prevent spread of those communicable diseases that can be


- Public notices

- Security training




etc.)



transmitted by the project components or its workforce (including contractors);





- Careful consideration and consultation should be given to the agreement of delivery routes to the site area (if appropriate, consideration should be given to delivery methods alternative to road – for example by nearby waterways);

- Design routes so as to avoid unnecessary conflict with other road users, schools, hospitals, and other areas where there may be heavy pedestrian or child use;

- Notify communities and place signs on


- PR4






etc.)



public roads;



- Establish and enforce strict delivery times;

- Establish and enforce speed limits on- and off-site;





- Proper siting of development (where siting is to be on a new area, and not on existing landfill/animal manure storage areas) and access routes to avoid close proximity to sensitive noise receptors (e.g. residences,



Robust baseline





etc.)



hospitals and schools);


- Controls on type of construction and operation plant/vehicles/equipment;

- Controls on type of delivery vehicles used, routes used for deliveries and timing of deliveries; and,

- Noise screening of works during construction and operation.






5.1 Avoid siting projects and ancillary works where they will cause disruption or displacement to established communities, farms and homes, or users of grazing land where possible through thorough consideration of alternatives.

PR5 PR4



5.2 If displacement is unavoidable, plan to improve or, at a minimum, restore the livelihoods and standards of living of any displaced persons to pre-project levels. Displaced persons could include those who have legally recognisable rights or claims to the land, those with

PR5 PR4





etc.)



customary clams to the land, those with no legally recognisable rights or clams to the land, seasonal resource users such as herders/fishing families, hunter and gathers who may have interdependent economic relations with communities located within the project area.









However, it is envisaged that for biogas development surveys will particularly be needed for the following:


PR6




etc.)



- Terrestrial flora (including protected habitats);

- Birds (in particular implications of land take on potential nesting and foraging habitats);

- Wide-ranging mammals (including, bats, otter, brown bear, bison, lynx and wildcat); and,

- Where appropriate, other terrestrial fauna (such as reptiles and invertebrates).




- Avoid, or mitigate for, siting of biogas plant and associated transmission lines in areas recognised as important for bird nesting or foraging;

- Avoid, or mitigate for, siting biogas plant or associated structures in areas recognised as important for bat roosting and/or foraging;

- Mitigation for potential light disturbance to


PR6





etc.)



bats and other nocturnal species;

- Identify and avoid or mitigate for project impacts upon species utilising key crossing points (crossing roads, transmission lines, etc). Mitigation may include, for example, such inclusions as aerial bat crossings, mammal underpasses, speed restricted crossing points and fencing, and / or restrictions upon vehicle movements during key migratory periods or times of day.

6.3 Following construction, re-grade and re-vegetate disturbed area with native species.


PR6


6.4 Avoid development within sites protected for their biodiversity under international or Kazakhstan law (habitats and/or species).


PR6


6.5 Avoid, or mitigate for, siting of development or ancillary works (including transmission lines, access roads, etc) in areas important for nature tourism.


PR6



8.1 Undertake archaeological desk study and site investigations where necessary to identify the likelihood of presence of artefacts or other items of cultural significance (for biogas projects this is most likely to apply to ancillary works areas




etc.)



rather than generation plant locations).












8.6 Undertake a Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) of the project, including





etc.)



consideration of the potential visual impacts of the biogas plant and associated ancillary works from all relevant viewing angles when considering locations.

PR8

8.7 Develop a Landscape Protection Plan following the LVIA. Follow the Mitigation Hierarchy: to Avoid, Minimise, Mitigate and Offset likely adverse effects upon the natural features and landscapes that have archaeological, paleontological, historical, architectural, religious, aesthetic or other cultural significance.

This plan to cover the construction and operational phases and to consider the inclusion of the following aspects where applicable:


- Sensitive placement and route placement of power transmission lines, access roads and other associated work; and,

- Routing of roads and transmission lines along existing cuttings or linear features to reduce on setting.


PR8



10.1 Develop a Stakeholder Engagement Plan, PR10 Prior to construction Review and approval by EBRD



etc.)



including a Grievance Mechanism (SEP)












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Renewable Project Environmental Review Report - Wind · 2020-07-14 · Renewable Energy Market...

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