Kazakhstan is preparing to strengthen its position in the global digital economy through an ambitious data center development project that could generate approximately $3.1 billion in annual export revenue.

The proposed Data Center Valley is expected to attract substantial international investment and establish the Central Asian country as an important destination for advanced computing infrastructure, cloud services and artificial intelligence technologies.

According to information released by Kazakhstan’s government, the project could attract around $115 billion in total investment over the estimated 20-year operational period of the facilities, based on projections by international consulting firm KPMG.

Three Major Data Centers Planned in Initial Phase

The first phase of the development will involve constructing three large data centers with a combined capacity of 304 megawatts.

The facilities will have individual capacities of 68 MW, 164 MW and 72 MW.

Operations are expected to begin in stages throughout 2027, with the three facilities scheduled to become operational in the second, third and fourth quarters respectively.

The initial infrastructure will provide the foundation for a much larger computing network designed to support growing international demand for digital services.

Project Could Reach One Gigawatt Capacity

Kazakhstan has outlined an ambitious expansion strategy for the Data Center Valley.

Preliminary agreements have already been signed with companies for a second development phase involving 480 MW of computing capacity, with the possibility of increasing it to 620 MW.

Additional negotiations are underway for another 240 MW of capacity, potentially expanding to 420 MW.

If the planned developments move forward, the project’s overall capacity could reach approximately one gigawatt by 2029.

Such an expansion would significantly increase Kazakhstan’s ability to host large-scale computing operations and serve international technology companies.

Artificial Intelligence at the Centre of Development

The project is closely connected to the growing global demand for artificial intelligence infrastructure.

According to an earlier government announcement, the development involves a planned investment of approximately $10 billion in a large-scale computing cluster equipped with around 100,000 graphics processing units (GPUs).

These specialised processors are essential for training advanced AI models, operating complex computing systems and handling large volumes of digital information.

As businesses increasingly adopt artificial intelligence, demand for high-performance computing facilities is expanding rapidly across international markets.

Kazakhstan hopes to benefit from this trend by developing infrastructure capable of attracting technology companies and international clients.

Kazakhstan Seeks to Become a Regional Technology Hub

The Data Center Valley represents a broader effort to diversify Kazakhstan’s economy and reduce its dependence on traditional industries.

The country has significant ambitions in digital infrastructure, telecommunications, energy and technology investment.

By attracting international data center operators, Kazakhstan could create new opportunities in engineering, construction, cybersecurity, cloud computing and specialised technical services.

The project could also encourage cooperation between domestic businesses and international technology providers.

Energy and Infrastructure Will Be Crucial

Large data centers require substantial electricity, advanced cooling systems and reliable telecommunications networks.

Ensuring a stable energy supply will therefore be one of the most important requirements for the project’s long-term success.

Kazakhstan will also need to develop supporting infrastructure and create a favourable investment environment to attract international operators.

Competition among countries to attract data center investments is increasing, particularly as artificial intelligence drives demand for computing power.

A Major Opportunity for the Digital Economy

Kazakhstan’s Data Center Valley could become one of the country’s most significant technology infrastructure initiatives.

The projected $3.1 billion in annual export revenue highlights the economic potential of providing computing services to international markets.

However, achieving the project’s ambitious targets will depend on investment commitments, construction progress, energy availability and continued global demand for advanced computing infrastructure.

If successfully implemented, the development could help Kazakhstan establish a stronger presence in the international technology industry and position Central Asia as an emerging destination for large-scale digital infrastructure.