The location for the construction of the first nuclear power plant (NPP) in Kazakhstan has been announced. The resolution was signed by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, reports a correspondent from the Kapital.kz business information center.
"In accordance with subparagraph 2) of Article 5 and paragraph 1 of Article 12 of the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan 'On the Use of Atomic Energy,' the government resolves to determine the area for the construction of the nuclear facility 'Nuclear Power Plant' – Zhambyl District of Almaty Region. This resolution shall take effect from the day of its first official publication," the document states.
The government resolution No. 1137 was signed on December 30, 2024.
On October 6, 2024, a referendum on the construction of the NPP took place in Kazakhstan. According to the Central Election Commission of the Republic of Kazakhstan, 63.66% of eligible citizens participated in the vote. The number of citizens who voted in favor of constructing the nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan amounted to 5,561,937 people, or 71.12%.
At the end of January 2025, it was revealed that the shortlist of potential technology suppliers for the NPP construction includes 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 the analysis of potential sites for the construction of the second and third NPPs, with a plan to be prepared in the second quarter of 2025. For instance, Kurchatov is being considered as a promising site.
The budget for the construction of the NPP in Kazakhstan may be between 10-12 billion dollars. 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 funding from international financial institutions.
Furthermore, Kazakhstan will develop long-term plans for the growth of the nuclear industry.