Kazakhstan President Kassym-Zhomart Tokayev has instructed the government to begin developing a nuclear cluster. “Against the backdrop of a growing energy shortage, the construction of the first NPP should be accelerated and, overall, the establishment of a nuclear cluster in the country should begin. This is an important task to ensure the progress of our country, ” Tokayev told an expanded government meeting.
He instructed the cabinet together with the Samruk-Kazyna state fund to develop long-term plans for the development of the nuclear industry. “We need a concrete vision. Based on a comprehensive analysis, the most suitable places for the construction of future NPPs, as well as modern and safe technologies, should be determined,” he explained.
Tokayev said he expects proposals from the government and parliament regarding the construction site of the second nuclear power plant. “I emphasise again: our country needs nuclear energy. Without this, the progressive development of Kazakhstan will be in question. Energy is the driving force of the entire economy. Of course, only by providing all regions with energy can we bring them to prosperity and improve the standard of living of the population,” he explained.
Kazakhstan has shortlisted four companies to supply technology for the first NPP – China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP), Russia’s Rosatom, and Électricité de France (EDF). 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. Decisions on the plant were deferred pending a referendum, which was finally held in October 2024. The construction of the station was supported by 71.12% of those who voted. The turnout was 63.66%.
