The pouring of concrete for the foundation of Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant (NPP) could begin in 2029, according to the Head of the Agency for Atomic Energy (AAE), Almassadam Satkaliyev.
«Nuclear experts call this the ‘first concrete.’ Much depends on the equipment configuration and project design. It’s still quite difficult to say at this point. We are aiming for 2029 for the Russian project,» he told reporters.
Russia’s Rosatom was selected as the leader of the international consortium to construct the first NPP on Lake Balkhash. The NPP will have an output of 2.4 gigawatts (two VVER-1200 reactors, 1.2 gigawatts each).
Rosatom specialists commenced drilling works to collect soil samples and dig the pioneer well at the construction site near the village of Ulken in the Zhambyl district of the Almaty region on Aug. 8, 2025.
At the same time, China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) was chosen as the consortium leader for the construction of the second and third NPPs in Kazakhstan.
Notably, in an interview with Kursiv.media, French Ambassador to Kazakhstan Sylvain Guiaugue said that French EDF is considering cooperation within the consortium led by CNNC.
Kazakhstan considered four companies as potential technology suppliers: CNNC (China, HPR-1000 reactor), Rosatom (Russia, VVER-1200 and VVER-1000 reactors), KHNP (South Korea, APR-1400 reactor) and EDF (France, EPR1200 reactor).
