Kazakhstan Kicks Off Nuclear Era with Russia’s Rosatom

Kazakhstan has officially launched the development of its first nuclear power plant (NPP), a landmark project to be led by Russia’s state-owned corporation Rosatom. A groundbreaking ceremony recently took place in the village of Ulken in the Almaty region, marking the start of a new energy chapter for the Central Asian nation. The strategic partnership was cemented in discussions between Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov and Rosatom head Alexey Likhachev, following a phone call between Presidents Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Vladimir Putin.

The decision to select Rosatom came after a competitive process involving contenders from China (CNNC), France (EDF), and South Korea (Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power). Officials indicated that Rosatom presented the most comprehensive package, which extends beyond simple construction. The Russian offer includes support for developing Kazakhstan’s entire nuclear energy sector, localizing the nuclear fuel cycle, and providing extensive training for a new generation of Kazakh specialists in Russia.

The Ulken project will feature two advanced VVER-1200 reactor units, a technology with a proven track record in Russia and currently deployed in international projects in Turkey and Egypt. These reactors boast an operational lifespan of 60 years, with a potential extension of 20 years. The initial phase of work, now underway, consists of extensive 18-month-long engineering surveys to finalize the plant’s precise location. This involves drilling more than 50 exploratory wells to analyze seismic stability and other geological factors.

For Kazakhstan, the world’s largest producer of natural uranium, this project represents a pivotal step toward leveraging its vast resources for energy independence and economic growth. President Tokayev has identified the creation of a nuclear industry as a top national priority, envisioning a future cluster of three NPPs. The first plant alone is a massive undertaking, with an estimated investment of $14-15 billion, supplemented by an additional $1 billion for social development projects in the region.

This collaboration carries significant geopolitical weight, a point highlighted by Rosatom’s CEO Alexey Likhachev, who stated that such ambitious projects are only feasible “in countries where there are trusting relationships between both the leaders and the peoples.” The project underscores the deep ties between Moscow and Astana, with President Tokayev scheduled for a state visit to Moscow to further strengthen bilateral cooperation.

While Russia is spearheading the inaugural plant, Kazakhstan is strategically diversifying its partners for its broader nuclear ambitions. China’s state-owned CNNC is reportedly set to lead the construction of the country’s second and third NPPs. In a complex geopolitical maneuver, CNNC has also expressed interest in joining the consortium for the first Rosatom-led plant, showcasing Kazakhstan’s nuanced approach to balancing its relationships with global powers as it enters the atomic age.