Photo: panumas nikhomkhai / Pexels
Three data centers with a combined capacity of 304 MW are planned to open in Pavlodar Region in 2027 (profit.kz). Construction progress at “Data Center Valley” was discussed at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov. The project is tied to efforts to grow exports: KPMG estimates potential annual export revenue at $3.1 billion.
What happened
At the first center, with a capacity of 68 MW, crews have moved on to the foundations, infrastructure facilities and an administration building. Kazakhtelecom chairman Bagdat Mussin reported the progress. The center is scheduled to open in the second quarter of 2027, from April to June.
The second data center, the 164 MW Firebird AI facility, is planned to open in the third quarter of 2027. Excavation of the foundation pit is 70% complete. The third center, with a capacity of 72 MW, is scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of the same year.
What this means
The three data centers make up the project’s first phase. Total investment over the data centers’ 20-year operating life is estimated at $115 billion.
Preliminary agreements have been signed with Gaw Capital, Boosteroid and Firebird for the second phase. They cover 480 MW of computing capacity, with the option to expand to 620 MW. The Firebird AI data center in Kazakhstan is part of the project’s first phase.
Capacity targeted to reach 1 GW by 2029
Talks are underway with Aleria, Energy Capital Global and China Energy for another 240 MW, potentially rising to 420 MW. Plans call for Data Center Valley’s total capacity to reach 1 GW, or 1,000 MW, by 2029.
The project also includes the construction of energy infrastructure. At the meeting, Energy Minister Yerlan Akkenzhenov and Pavlodar Region Governor Asain Baikhanov reported on power supplies and utility connections for the sites.
Bektenov instructed the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development to work with Kazakhtelecom to ensure the centers open on schedule. The nearest announced deadline is the second quarter of 2027, when the first data center is scheduled to open.
