Kazakhstan is moving forward with plans for a new nuclear power plant, with the country’s government set to lead the project in partnership with an international consortium. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev confirmed that Kazakhstan will serve as the primary operator of the project.
“We discussed this with Vladimir Putin during his visit to Astana,” Tokayev said. “We agreed that Kazakhstan will be the general operator, acting as the project’s customer.” Tokayev also mentioned that talks are ongoing with Russia’s Rosatom, which has extensive experience in building nuclear plants worldwide, as well as with a Chinese company, given China’s successful record in constructing civilian nuclear facilities. Additionally, he noted that Western companies have shown interest in joining the project.
A competitive bidding process will take place later this year, after which the government will make a final decision on the project’s development. “We will conduct competitive procedures this year, and after that, the Government will make a final decision,” Tokayev explained.
President Tokayev emphasized the urgent need for nuclear power in Kazakhstan to address the country’s growing energy demands. “Kazakhstan needs a large nuclear power plant,” he stated. “In fact, we might even begin constructing a second, and possibly a third, plant in the near future.”
The president also highlighted the economic benefits that nuclear energy will bring to Kazakhstan, noting that the country is facing an energy deficit. “The nuclear industry will provide a significant boost to our economy,” Tokayev said. “I am confident that Kazakhstan’s nuclear energy sector has a bright future, and we are committed to its development.”
