Russia plans to begin active construction of a nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan as early as 2027. After the project is implemented, the largest country in Central Asia will have its own nuclear energy. The details were revealed by Rosatom head Alexey Likhachev.
The NPP project will be beneficial for both Kazakhstan and Russia. As the head of Rosatom noted, the countries cooperate, including within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), and Kazakhstan has a stable energy system.
In the mid-2030s, Kazakhstan will acquire nuclear energy and the plant will come into operation.
During construction, it is planned to maximize the use of local capabilities. Rosatom intends to attract Kazakhstani specialists and companies that already have experience participating in the implementation of Russian projects.
We already have experience in attracting Kazakhstani specialists and Kazakhstani companies to implement our projects. In this sense, this union is both out of love and not without benefit.
According to the head of Rosatom, the corporation will do everything to demonstrate its customer orientation. Russia is ready to fulfill the request of the government of Kazakhstan and the Kazakhstani nuclear industry, while receiving an additional effect from cooperation.
Earlier it was reported that Russia would participate in financing the construction of the first NPP in Kazakhstan. Russian President Vladimir Putin noted that these funds are not a gift, but will return with interest, and the financing mechanism itself complies with international practice.
Likhachev also reported that Rosatom plans to start laying the first concrete for the construction of the Balkhash NPP in Kazakhstan as soon as possible. For the plant to start operating in the 2030s, facilities will be commissioned in stages: an interval of 8–10 months is provided between the launch of the first and second power units.
The NPP will be built in the village of Ulken (Almaty region). It is planned to use VVER-1200 Generation III+ reactors. These are pressurized water reactors that combine time-tested engineering solutions with the latest safety systems. The plant is expected to have two power units with a capacity of 1200 megawatts each.
Read more on the topic:
- Balkhash NPP to cover 20% of Kazakhstan's consumption: the station will receive two VVER-1200 reactors
- Construction of the Balkhash NPP will create a new economic cluster in Kazakhstan