Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant (NPP) construction project is expected to provide jobs for around 10,000 people by 2032, according to Minister of Energy Almassadam Satkaliyev. He shared this information during a government meeting dedicated to the Year of Working Professions in Kazakhstan.
«The NPP project is expected to create jobs for about 5,000 people by 2030, with the number rising to approximately 10,000 at the peak of construction in 2032. Once operational, the plant will provide jobs for at least 2,000 people,» Satkaliyev stated.
To prepare personnel for operating the NPP, training programs will be established at domestic colleges. These programs will cover specializations such as dosimetrists, steam turbine technicians, NPP equipment mechanics and IT support. Students in nuclear-related fields will be able to intern at Kazakhstan’s National Nuclear Center and the Institute of Nuclear Physics.
Satkaliyev also mentioned that Kazakhstan currently has 1,600 energy enterprises, employing a total of 303,000 people. By 2030, the industry is set to launch an additional 99 projects, creating 83,000 new jobs. These positions will span various roles, including power engineers, welders, mechanics, cutting torch operators, electricians, electrical fitters, plumbers and pipe fitters.
In the oil and gas industry, 22,000 jobs will be created in technical professions. Meanwhile, the oil and gas chemical sector will employ over 21,000 people across six major projects, with 3,000 securing permanent positions and 18,000 filling temporary roles.
«In the electric power industry, 72 projects, 32 of which are focused on renewable energy, will create more than 41,000 jobs, including over 35,000 temporary positions and 6,000 permanent ones,» Satkaliyev stated.
He also noted that the workforce at existing enterprises will be expanded, with a total demand for 16,000 new personnel expected between 2025 and 2029.
The minister emphasized that starting in 2025, wages for production personnel at energy-producing enterprises will increase by 15% annually.
Previously, Satkaliyev informed journalists that Kazakhstan plans to select a company or consortium to construct the NPP in the first half of 2025.
