Kazakhstan is building $5 bln AI Valley

Construction is underway in Ekibastuz on Data Center Valley, one of Kazakhstan’s largest infrastructure projects in the field of AI. Approximately $5 billion is expected to be invested in developing the technology cluster, with its computing capacity projected to eventually reach 1 GW. The first data centers are scheduled to become operational as early as 2027, El.kz reports citing the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

The project is being developed with the participation of intl technology partners, including NVIDIA and Firebird AI. The full capacity of the first phase, totaling 215 MW, has already been reserved. The ministry expects Data Center Valley to help Kazakhstan enter the international computing services market and attract new investment in digital infrastructure.

What is being built in Ekibastuz?

Kazakhstan’s Deputy PM and Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development, Zhaslan Madiyev, and, Chairman of the Management Board of Kazakhtelecom JSC Bagdat Mussin visited the Data Center Valley construction site. During their working visit, they reviewed construction progress, the stages of project implementation, and the prospects for establishing an international computing hub in Kazakhstan.

Data Center Valley is being developed as a technology cluster designed to accommodate state-of-the-art data centers, advance artificial intelligence, and attract international technology companies. The project provides for a phased expansion of computing capacity to 1 GW, or 1,000 MW.

During the site visit, government officials and project management discussed power supply, the construction of engineering infrastructure, the technological readiness of facilities, and compliance with established deadlines.

Zhaslan Madiyev emphasized the project’s strategic importance for Kazakhstan.

“Today, artificial intelligence is becoming one of the key drivers of economic growth and technological competitiveness among nations. However, AI development requires the appropriate infrastructure: computing capacity, reliable power supplies, and modern data centers. Data Center Valley is a strategic project that will enable Kazakhstan to establish its own position on the global artificial intelligence map. Our task is to create conditions in which international technology companies will not simply use Kazakhstan’s infrastructure, but will also develop their projects here, invest, and build new expertise,” Zhaslan Madiyev emphasized.

When Will the First Data Centers Become Operational?

According to the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the first phase of Data Center Valley includes several major facilities, each with its own commissioning schedule.

The first facility scheduled to launch is a data center with a total capacity of 66 MW. Its commissioning will take place in two stages. Capacity of 50 MW is expected to become operational in the second quarter of 2027, followed by the remaining 16 MW in the third quarter.

Another facility is being built for Firebird AI. It will have a total capacity of 164 MW, with 105 MW allocated directly to IT equipment. The complex is scheduled to be commissioned in the third quarter of 2027.

The third data center is designed for a total capacity of 70 MW, including an IT load of 52 MW. Its launch is planned for the fourth quarter of 2027.

What stage has construction reached?

At the AI-Fabric server complex site, all earthworks have been completed. The foundation is 77% complete, while structural framework and finishing works have not yet begun.

At the power center construction sites, all earthworks have also been completed. Foundations are 88% complete, and structural frameworks are 8% complete. Finishing works have not yet started.

At both checkpoints, earthworks, foundation construction, and structural framework installation have been fully completed. Finishing works are 88% complete.

Construction of the administrative and staff facilities complex is ongoing. Earthworks and foundations have been completed, and the structural framework is 62% complete. Finishing works have not yet begun.

Why was Ekibastuz chosen for the project?

The ministry identifies electricity costs as one of Data Center Valley’s competitive advantages. The project has announced an electricity tariff starting at 2.5 US cents per kilowatt-hour.

According to the ministry, access to electricity at this price makes the site attractive for energy-intensive computing systems. The project also предусматривает the use of advanced cooling technologies, improvements in energy efficiency, and compliance with environmental standards.

Power supply was one of the main topics discussed during the working visit by Zhaslan Madiyev and Bagdat Musin. Ministry representatives and project management discussed the development of the necessary engineering infrastructure and the next stages of construction.

NVIDIA and Firebird AI: Who is involved in the project?

Data Center Valley is being developed in cooperation with international technology partners, including NVIDIA and Firebird AI.

The project предусматривает the creation of high-performance computing infrastructure based on state-of-the-art graphics processing units (GPUs). The equipment is intended for training and running artificial intelligence models.

A dedicated data center for Firebird AI is included in the construction schedule presented by the ministry. It is scheduled to become operational in 2027.

Bagdat Musin, Chairman of the Management Board of Kazakhtelecom JSC, said that the project creates opportunities for Kazakhstan to export computing capacity.

“For a long time, Kazakhstan was viewed primarily as a country rich in natural resources. Today, we have an opportunity to turn affordable energy into a new export product: computing capacity. We are building infrastructure that will enable us to serve the world’s largest AI systems directly from Kazakhstan. Most importantly, this is no longer just a concept: the entire capacity of the first phase has been reserved, international partners are on board, and specific investment commitments are in place. Our goal is to make Kazakhstan one of the key hubs of global AI infrastructure,” Bagdat Musin stated.

According to the ministry, total investment in the development of Data Center Valley is expected to reach approximately US$5 billion.

What will the launch of Data Center Valley bring to Kazakhstan?

According to the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development, the creation of Data Center Valley is aimed at developing the country’s domestic computing infrastructure and expanding Kazakhstan’s presence in the international digital services market.

The ministry expects the launch of the complex to enable the provision of computing capacity to international AI companies, while attracting technology partners and investment.

Other anticipated benefits of the project include the development of new technology industries and the creation of jobs for highly skilled professionals.

The next stage of Data Center Valley’s implementation involves commissioning the first computing capacity in the second quarter of 2027. According to the published schedule, construction and commissioning of the remaining facilities announced for the first phase will continue through the end of the year.