Kazakhstan says it counts on Russia for NPP project

Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu is hopeful that Russia will take part in the construction of Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant (NPP). He made this statement during his meeting with Sergey Lavrov, his Russian counterpart, as reported by the Russian news agency TASS.

«Speaking of investment projects, I’d like to note that we have many joint and large-scale projects with Russian businesses. The number of enterprises anticipated to be established in the near future has already surpassed 170. And, of course, one of the most significant projects is the construction of the NPP in Kazakhstan. I hope our colleagues in the line ministries will carry out the necessary work,» Nurtleu told Lavrov.

On Oct. 6, 2024, Kazakhstani citizens were asked to share their opinions on the NPP construction through a nationwide referendum, in which 71.12% of voters expressed their support for the initiative. The shortlist of potential technology suppliers and constructors includes CNNC (China), KHNP (South Korea), Rosatom (Russia) and EDF (France).

According to Deputy Minister of Energy Sungat Yessimkhanov, the selection process for the contractor will be finished by June. Last year, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stated that if people supported the project, it would be carried out by an international consortium.

The first NPP in Kazakhstan is set to be built in the village of Ulken, in the Almaty region. Preparation works in the area are already underway. An industrial zone is expected to be established at the NPP site, featuring auxiliary plants, social facilities and businesses to ensure convenient working conditions for NPP workers. Authorities also promise to modernize the water supply system and improve the roads in Ulken.

At the recent National Kurultai — a large gathering of public figures and officials to discuss social and economic initiatives in Kazakhstan — President Tokayev stated that Kazakhstan would have not one, but three NPPs, alongside the new Nuclear Energy Agency.