Experts advise Kazakhstan to build NPP with open estimates

Nurlan Zhumagulov, head of the Energy Monitor public foundation, has suggested that Kazakhstan adopt the same nuclear power plant (NPP) construction model as Uzbekistan. He shared this view while commenting on a recent interview with Azim Akhmedkhadjaev, director of Uzbekistan’s Atomic Energy Agency.

Zhumagulov noted that Uzbekistan plans to build a small modular reactor with a total capacity of 300 megawatts (MW) without holding a referendum. The reactor will be constructed by Rosatom, Russia’s state nuclear corporation, with turbines sourced from China and electronics procured from Europe.

«This is what is called an international consortium. A similar approach is planned for Kazakhstan’s first NPP. The company that constructs it (most likely Rosatom) intends to implement the OpenBook scheme and maximize the use of local resources, including goods, materials and labor,» Energy Monitor reported.

On March 23, Akhmedkhadjaev gave an in-depth interview about Uzbekistan’s NPP construction progress. He explained that the OpenBook model — a business approach in which financial information, costs and performance data are transparently shared with stakeholders — allows visibility into the general contractor’s expenses for equipment and materials. This transparency has already helped reduce costs by approximately $300 million.

Akhmedkhadjaev said that by working under the open-estimate model, they have achieved a fully transparent system.

«Rosatom will be the general contractor, but they are not trying to impose any restrictions on us. We are building it, and we decide how it will be done. This process is entirely transparent, ensuring openness at every stage,» he said.

Akhmedkhadjaev also emphasized the importance of using local labor. He noted that the entire project will be localized, relying solely on the country’s internal resources, from construction materials to workforce.