The Ministry of Energy plans to finalize the necessary intergovernmental agreements and contracts for the construction of a nuclear power plant (NPP) in Kazakhstan by the autumn of 2025. This information was shared in a report by Minister Almasadam Satkaliyev at the expanded board meeting of the Ministry of Energy, discussing the results of 2024 and objectives for 2025, as reported by a correspondent from the Kapital.kz business information center.
Notably, in December 2024, the government approved the construction site for the NPP in the Zhambyl district of Almaty region.
“Over the past year, negotiations were held with potential suppliers of nuclear technologies as part of an open competitive dialogue to select a consortium for the construction of the NPP. The plan for 2025 includes selecting a vendor or consortium by July 1, 2025; concluding an intergovernmental agreement and corresponding contracts in November 2025,” the report states.
Additionally, in 2025, there are plans to develop a Strategy for the Development of the Nuclear Industry until 2050, which will encompass both plans for the construction of subsequent nuclear power plants and the development of other areas of the nuclear sector necessary for the effective implementation of the nuclear energy program and the growth of the nuclear cluster.
As a result of 2024, uranium production reached 23,270 tons, with uranium product sales totaling 308 tons and the export of finished nuclear fuel amounting to 380 TVS.
On October 6, 2024, a referendum was held in Kazakhstan regarding the construction of the NPP. According to the Central Election Commission of the Republic of Kazakhstan, 63.66% of eligible citizens participated in the referendum. The number of citizens who voted in favor of building the nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan was 5,561,937, or 71.12%.
At the end of January 2025, it was revealed that the shortlist of potential technology suppliers for the construction of the NPP included the Russian company Rosatom, the Korean company KHNP, the Chinese CNNC, and the French EDF. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev mentioned that the construction of the NPP in Kazakhstan was discussed during bilateral negotiations with Vladimir Putin. Additionally, Kazakhstan is completing an analysis of potential locations for the construction of the second and third NPPs, with plans to be prepared in the second quarter of 2025. For instance, Kurchatov is being considered as a promising site.
The budget for constructing the NPP in Kazakhstan may range from $10 to $12 billion. The first nuclear power plant is planned to be completed by 2035. Funding may be sourced from attracted foreign investments. Suppliers are offering various financing options, including export credits and securing funding from international financial institutions.
Kazakhstan will also develop long-term plans for the growth of the nuclear industry.