Qatari Conglomerate Power International Holding Deepens Kazakhstan's Energy Sector Involvement

Qatar-based Power International Holding (PIH) is significantly expanding its energy and gas interests in Kazakhstan. The conglomerate is actively involved in the development of two gas-processing plants at Kazakhstan’s Kashagan field and a major gas pipeline project, building upon its existing investments in the country’s energy and telecommunications sectors.

Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov met with PIH Chairman Moutaz Al Khayyat and President and Group CEO Ramez Al Khayyat on Thursday to discuss the progress of PIH’s ongoing projects within the nation. PIH is developing two gas-processing plants at the Kashagan field, each with planned annual capacities of one billion and 2.5 billion cubic metres, respectively. Installation work for the first plant is currently underway, with the delivery of its main equipment nearing completion and operations anticipated to commence in 2027.

Furthermore, the Qatari holding is participating in the second section of the Beineu–Bozoy–Shymkent gas pipeline. This project has been described by its operator as the most significant natural gas pipeline initiative in the history of independent Kazakhstan. The Kazakh prime minister urged for enhanced coordination to ensure the projects remain on schedule and pledged government support to overcome any potential obstacles.

Representatives from PIH reiterated the company’s dedication to fulfilling its project commitments and expressed keen interest in exploring further cooperation, particularly within the telecommunications domain. This latest engagement with the Kazakh government follows PIH’s substantial investment in the country’s telecommunications sector. In 2024, the state-controlled entity Kazakhtelecom agreed to sell Mobile Telecom-Service, the operator of the Tele2 and Altel brands, to PIH for $1.1 billion. The Kazakh government has also stated that PIH has committed to expanding the company’s network infrastructure.

PIH’s international reach is notable; the conglomerate was ranked seventh in Forbes Middle East’s Top 100 Arab Family Businesses for 2026, positioning it as the highest-ranked Qatari group on the list. Operating across 25 countries, PIH’s diverse interests encompass energy, construction, healthcare, agriculture, telecommunications, real estate, and hospitality. Its extensive portfolio includes prominent companies such as UCC Holding, Baladna, Estithmar Holding, Assets Group, and Aura Group. Through its affiliated companies, PIH has also been involved in significant government-backed projects in other regions, including the $4 billion redevelopment of Damascus International Airport and Baladna’s $3.5 billion dairy venture in partnership with the Algerian state.