On August 9, Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov held a meeting with Alexey Likhachev, Director General of Rosatom. The main topic of discussion was the creation of an international consortium for the construction of the first nuclear power plant (NPP) in the country. The press service of the Government of Kazakhstan reported on the key aspects of the meeting.
The parties discussed the involvement of local specialists in the work and the exchange of experience. Aspects of localization of nuclear fuel cycle processes were considered. The consortium will bring together leading Kazakh and foreign partners, which will improve the efficiency of the project.
The Kazakh side confirmed its readiness to cooperate with Russian suppliers and other countries. Bektenov noted that the construction of the NPP is under the control of the President of Kazakhstan, and the government will provide the project with all the necessary support.
On Friday, the first works on the construction of the NPP started in the village of Ulken, located on the shore of Lake Balkhash. Engineers began conducting surveys to select the optimal site and prepare project documentation. Rosatom specialists began drilling the first exploration well and taking soil samples. The research will help assess the seismic stability and hydrogeological features of the territory, which is critical for the safety of the future station.
The launch ceremony was attended by Alexey Likhachev and Almasadam Satkaliyev, Chairman of the Atomic Energy Agency of Kazakhstan. Aset Makhambetov, Deputy Chairman of the Agency, said that Kazakhstan plans to produce its own nuclear fuel. The country produces about 40% of the world's natural uranium, making Kazakhstan a leader in this field. Negotiations are underway on the production and use of its own fuel for nuclear power plants.
Read also on the topic:
Floating Nuclear Power Plants Rosatom will supply to Malaysia
Rosatom Names Launch Dates for Fifth Power Unit at Beloyarsk NPP
Akkuyu NPP: Ten Interesting Facts About the Most Modern and Safe Nuclear Power Plant
