A shortlist of four companies has been selected for possible NPP construction – China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP), Russia’s Rosatom, and Électricité de France (EDF). Sergey Agafonov, Chairman of the Kazakhstan Association of Energy Supply Organisations said the selection is based on several key factors. Firstly, these companies possess extensive experience in NPP construction. Secondly, they specialise in water-cooled reactors, a technology that Kazakhstan will likely adopt for its nuclear power plants.
“These are the safest reactors. (…) Nevertheless, the uncertainty remains, and I think this is not bad. Because I have always said that it is important for us to negotiate the best possible price for Kazakhstan with future vendors,” said Agafonov.
Kazakhstan’s Energy Ministry recommended this same shortlist in 2023 specifying CNNC’s HPR-1000 (Hualong One); KHNP’s APR1400; Rosatom’s VVER-1200 and VVER-1000; and EDF’s EPR-1200. The site selected for the plant is Ulken village in the Almaty Region on the western shore of Lake Balkhash, some 370 kilometres from Almaty. The choice for the site was between this village and the town of Kurchatov in the Abai Region. Ulken is a relatively new village founded in the early 1980s. It was originally built to house workers who were constructing the South Kazakhstan Hydroelectric Power Plant, which was never completed. Its population is around 1,500.
Decisions on the plant were deferred pending a referendum, which was finally held in October 2024. The results showed a turnout of 63.87%, with 71.12% of the 7.8m people who voted answering yes to the question: “Do you agree with the construction of a nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan?” Conversely, 26.15%, voted against the NPP.
The final decision on choosing a supplier or consortium for constructing the plant is expected to be made soon. It will be based on national interests, international norms and obligations, and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) recommendations. Kazakhstan, one of the world’s largest uranium producers, is taking a cautious approach in selecting a nuclear technology partner, prioritising safety, sustainability, and international standards.
In addition, Kazakhstan is investing KZT13,500bn ($25.5bn) into modernising its energy and utility sectors by 2029, addressing ageing infrastructure, rising demand, and tariff imbalances, focusing on sustainability and equitable solutions. The initiative will overhaul 80,000 kilometres of networks, improve energy efficiency, and gradually shift to market-based pricing while adapting to emerging challenges like the rise of electric vehicles and improving energy conservation.
According to current plans, the construction of a second and third NPP in Kazakhstan may be considered in the future, as the country looks to diversify its energy sources and ensure long-term energy security.
