Expertise: Environment, Social, Governance
Expertise Group: Engineering
Consultant Source: National
TOR Keywords:
Objective and Purpose of the Assignment
The Government of Kazakhstan (“GOK”) plans to increase the share of renewable energy in total generating
capacity and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. As a part of this commitment, on 30 May 2013, the
President of Kazakhstan approved the Concept for Transition of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Green
Economy, which sets the target for renewable energy sources (biomass, hydropower, solar and wind) to be
at least 15% the of total power generation capacity by 2030. To achieve the target, the GOK created a
road map and set a plan to increase renewable energy generation plants until 2030. To support the plan,
specific focus areas have been identified for ADB support including hydropower development and hybrid
storage system development, of which, hydropower development is prioritized.
During 2020-2021, Asian Development Bank (“ADB”) through its Office of Public and Private Partnership
(“OPPP”) (now Office of Markets Development and Public and Private Partnership) mobilized staff
consultant resources for undertaking initial hydrological studies in the Balkash, Alaqol and
Irtysh/Zeysan basins of Kazakhstan. A total of twelve (12) sites were identified based on raw data
gauging station data provided in the three river basins. The sites were then further ranked based on
high-level commercial assessment with estimated capital expenditure and levelized cost of energy (LCOE).
Among these, it was agreed to develop hydropower projects on the sites where the LCOE is lowest, mostly
in the Tentek river basin. Three (3) hydropower projects in cascade located on the Tentek River have
been prioritized and shortlisted for development at the first stage. These are namely:
- Tonkeris Dam HPP;
- Downstream Dam HPP; and
- Upstream Dam HPP
(Together the “Projects”).
Tentek River is in Almaty region of Kazakhstan. The length of the river is about 187 km and begins on
the northern slopes of the Dzungarian Alatau mountain range, which lies on the boundary of the Dzungaria
region of China and the Zhetysu region of Kazakhstan. It flows in a northerly direction and ends in
Sasykkol Lake.
Technical characteristics of the Project according to the previous preliminary studies (i.e., before
site surveys) are given in Table 1 below. The preliminary studies may be subject to change since they
would be updated according to the results of detailed site surveys.
The Ministry of Energy (“MOE”) of the Republic of Kazakhstan is receiving the Technical Assistance from
the Asia Pacific Project Preparation Facility (“AP3F TA”) for the project definition support to develop
multiple hydropower projects with private sector involvement. The key objective of the AP3F TA’s project
definition support is to provide high-level assessment and screening support for the projects. The
result of the project definition is further expected to form inputs to the project preparation and
procurement of projects through competitive auctions
Table 1. Technical Characteristics of the Project according to Previous Desktop Studies
Description Tonkeris Dam and HPP Kyzyltogay Downstream Dam and HPP
Kyzyltogay Upstream Dam and HPP
Dam Coordinates 46°01’46″N, 81°01’30″Е 45°54’37.3″N, 80°54’17.9″E
45°55’34.4″N, 80°54’29.7″E
Dam Type Roller Compacted Concrete Concrete Faced Rock Dam
Concrete Faced Rock Dam
Crest Elevation 612.00 m 706.25
m 811.25 m
Maximum Elevation 607.00 m 701.25 m
806.25 m
Minimum Elevation 574.01 m 674.60
m 771.25 m
Active Storage 230.90 million m3 9.93 million m3
108.81 million m3
Powerhouse Coordinates 46°02’19″N, 81°01’42″Е 45°54’48.9″N, 80°54’15.9″E
45°55’59.2″N, 80°54’34.4″E
Tailwater Elevation 508.00 m 620.00
m 701.25 m
Maximum Gross Head 99.0 m 81.25 m
105.0 m
Design Gross Head 94.3 m 78.00 m
100.0 m
Design Flow 115.74 m³/s 107.86 m³/s
107.86 m³/s
Design Net Head 84.52 m 68.90 m
93.26 m
Design Output 87.47 MWe 66.45 MWe
89.94 MWe
Maximum Output 92.33 MWe 70.16 MWe
94.76 MWe
Average Generation 297.07 GWh/year 225.69 GWh/year
305.47 GWh/year
The specific objective of this assignment is performing of project-level screening, assessment, and
management of initial environmental and social risks and impacts of these three Projects, which are
planned to be constructed on Tentek river, in accordance with international standards and the national
legislation of Kazakhstan. The screening will identify the potential environmental and social impacts
and risks of these Projects, and the relevant environmental and social standards and requirements that
apply to the Projects. The screening will also provide recommendations for the scope and level of
environmental and social assessment and management that will be required for these Projects.
Scope of Work
The Environmental, Social, and Governance Specialist will perform the following tasks:
• Review the available Project’s information and documents, such as the pre-feasibility study, the
preliminary design, stakeholders’ consultation report (if available), and other relevant documentation
(if any).
• Conduct a site visit to the Project area and consult with the project team, the local authorities, and
the affected communities and groups.
• Evaluate the environmental risks of the Projects, including the potential impacts on ecological
conditions of the river, water quality, biodiversity, climate change, and other as needed.
• Identify allocations for environment, irrigation, drinking water requirements in line with the
specific provisions under the relevant applicable laws for environmental flows (in particular, an
existing irrigation system downstream of Tonkeris Dam).
• Evaluate the social risks of the Projects, including the potential impacts of involuntary
resettlement, economic displacement, land acquisition, livelihoods, indigenous peoples, cultural
heritage, and labor and working conditions.
• Identify the relevant environmental and social standards and requirements that apply to the Projects,
such as the Multilateral Financial Institutions (MFIs) E&S standards, the national legislation of
Kazakhstan, and the international best practices and guidelines.
• Describe the process and the timeline for obtaining the environmental and social permits and licenses
from Government or relevant authority for the Projects.
• Assist project team in relation to any environmental and social related matters of these Projects,
during the term of this assignment.
• Prepare a screening report that summarizes the findings and recommendations of the environmental and
social risk screening and propose the scope and level of environmental and social assessment and
management that will be required for the Projects.
Detailed Tasks and/or Expected Output
The Environmental, Social, and Governance Specialist will deliver the following outputs:
• A screening report that contains the results and recommendations of the environmental and social risk
screening, and the proposed scope and level of environmental and social assessment and management for
the Projects. The report should be submitted within 60 days after the commencement of the assignment.
• A presentation of the screening report to the project team, the ADB, and the relevant stakeholders.
The presentation should be conducted within 15 days after the submission of the report.
All reports will be submitted to ADB for review and comments and the result of the review will need to
be reflected in the final submissions. All reports shall be accompanied by supporting documents and/or
references. All deliverables shall be provided in English and Russian.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
The Environmental, Social, and Governance Specialist should have the following qualifications and
experience:
• A master’s degree or higher in environmental science, environmental engineering, social science, or a
related field.
• At least 10 years of experience in conducting environmental and social risk screening and assessment
for hydropower projects or similar infrastructure projects.
• Knowledge of the MFIs E&S Standards and the national legislation of Kazakhstan on environmental and
social safeguards.
• License from Kazakhstan competent authority in the field of environmental protection will be an added
advantage.
• Fluency in English and Russian, and preferably in Kazakh.
• Excellent communication and report writing skills.
Minimum General Experience: 10 Years
Minimum Specific Experience (relevant to assignment): 10 Years
