### Kazakhstan and Shell Discuss Plans for New Gas Plants at Kashagan and Karachaganak Fields
In a significant move to strengthen their strategic partnership and explore future joint geological projects in Kazakhstan, the Ministry of Energy (MOE) and Shell PLC have initiated discussions to advance plans for two major gas processing plants. The talks aim to enhance the development opportunities for both the offshore Kashagan and onshore Karachaganak fields, focusing on the construction of these critical facilities.
#### Meeting Details
On August 26, Almasadam Satkaliyev, Kazakhstan’s Minister of Energy, met with senior officials from Shell’s conventional oil and gas division and the company’s Kazakhstan operations. The discussions centered on two key projects: a 2.5-billion cubic meter per year gas processing plant for the Kashagan field and a 4.5-billion cubic meter per year plant for the Karachaganak field. These talks are part of a broader strategy to expand the existing partnership between Kazakhstan and Shell and to explore future joint geological projects in the region.
#### Existing Partnerships and Investments
Shell, through its subsidiary Shell Kazakhstan Development BV, holds a 16.81% stake in the North Caspian Sea PSA Consortium (NCPSA), which operates the Kashagan field located in the northern Caspian Sea. The consortium also includes major partners such as Kazakhstan’s state-owned JSC NC KazMunayGas (KMG), Eni SPA, ExxonMobil, TotalEnergies, China National Petroleum Corp. (CNPC), and Inpex Corp.
For the Karachaganak field, Shell and Eni jointly operate through Karachaganak Petroleum Operating BV (KPO), where they each hold a 29.25% interest. Other partners in KPO include Chevron Corp., PJSC Lukoil, and KMG.
#### Proposed Timelines
The proposed Kashagan gas plant is part of the field’s second-phase (2A) expansion, aiming to