UAE Sugar Corporation Expands into Kazakhstan's Domestic Market
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Kazakhstan's New Sugar Plant: Navigating Water Woes and Sustainability
The UAE's Al Khaleej Sugar is plotting to establish a sugar plant in Kazakhstan's Almaty Region, as revealed during a meeting on April 27. The proposed site, nearby Konayev, has been picked for its strategic benefits, but there's a catch - water supply remains a major concern.
In the discussion, the parties highlighted the need for the prime consultants in the hydrology field to examine the region's water resources and devise viable solutions. Governor Marat Sultangaziyev acknowledged the existing water infrastructure constraints, specifically for sugar beet cultivation.
As Al Khaleej Sugar pushes towards a fully self-sufficient enterprise utilizing renewable energy sources, alternative irrigation solutions are on the table. One such possibility is the construction of wind power plants, which would not only cater to the energy demands but also indirectly support water infrastructure – say, through the implementation of electrified irrigation systems.
Moreover, expert assessments are in progress to scrutinize groundwater, surface water, and modern irrigation methods to ensure a stable water supply.
This project aims high – going green by seeking full energy independence via renewable sources, thus minimizing environmental impact. However, securing a dependable water supply is essential to attain their vision of a "fully autonomous enterprise."
Furthermore, Kazakhstan's existing sugar plants, such as AksuKant and Koksu, mainly rely on sugar beets. This new project may augment domestic production, but its success depends significantly on resolving water-related challenges. A separate 150,000-ton/year plant is also in the pipeline for Zhambyl’s Shu district, signaling the sugar industry's broader growth.
[1] Kazinform[2] The Astana Times[3] Tengri News[4] AzerNews[5] Asia Plus (Uzbekistan)
- The proposed sugar plant by Al Khaleej Sugar, slated for Kazakhstan's Almaty Region near Konayev, is gravely concerned about the region's water resources.
- Consultants specializing in hydrology are needed to investigate the water resources of the area where the new sugar plant is planned, in order to find viable solutions.
- One potential solution to the water supply issue in the sugar plant project is the construction of wind power plants, which could not only meet the energy demands but also enhance water infrastructure via electrified irrigation systems.
- The new sugar plant aims for energy independence by utilizing renewable energy sources and going green, but the key to achieving this Vision of a "fully autonomous enterprise" lies in securing a reliable water supply.
