• KGS/USD = 0.01144 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00200 0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09163 -0.11%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28530 -0.14%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01144 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00200 0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09163 -0.11%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28530 -0.14%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01144 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00200 0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09163 -0.11%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28530 -0.14%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01144 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00200 0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09163 -0.11%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28530 -0.14%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01144 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00200 0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09163 -0.11%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28530 -0.14%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01144 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00200 0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09163 -0.11%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28530 -0.14%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01144 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00200 0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09163 -0.11%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28530 -0.14%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01144 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00200 0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09163 -0.11%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28530 -0.14%
19 February 2025

Viewing results 1 - 6 of 49

Uzbekistan Seeks International Collaboration for Nuclear Energy Project

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a meeting on February 10 to review progress in Uzbekistan’s nuclear energy sector and outline future goals. Officials reported that 25 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity will be added over the next five years, generating 64 billion kilowatt-hours of green energy annually. By 2030, the country aims to increase the share of renewable energy to more than 50% of total electricity production. Azim Ahmadkhodjayev, director of Uzatom, discussed the sector’s prospects in an interview with Uzbekiston 24 TV following the meeting. He noted that by 2040, the share of nuclear energy in global electricity production could rise from 9% to 25%. He also recalled that Uzbekistan signed an agreement last year with Rosatom to build a 330 MW small-scale nuclear power plant in Jizzakh. “Our president emphasized that this project should have an international character, with the involvement of various international organizations,” he said. In addition to Russian technologies, the project will integrate Chinese non-nuclear technologies and European software and hardware. “To implement this project, we will create an international consortium using the most advanced technologies,” Ahmadkhodjayev added. To reduce water consumption, the project may incorporate dry coolers from Hungarian or Chinese manufacturers. Uzatom has also developed a cooperation program with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to train specialists and ensure safety in nuclear energy projects. Ahmadkhodjayev noted that the president has instructed officials to explore alternative approaches for similar projects in the future.

Kazakhstan Completes International Visits Ahead of Nuclear Power Plant Construction

Kazakhstan has completed a series of international visits to evaluate technologies for its planned nuclear power plant (NPP). On January 21, 2025, a Kazakh delegation led by Energy Minister Almasadam Satkaliyev visited Russia to assess the operations of Generation 3+ nuclear power units at the Leningrad NPP. During the visit, the delegation examined key components of the plant, including its control systems, turbine hall, laboratory facilities, and cooling system. Particular focus was placed on the VVER-1200 reactor, the flagship project of Russia's state nuclear corporation, Rosatom. This visit marked the final stage of Kazakhstan’s review process of potential suppliers for the NPP. From October to December 2024, Kazakh specialists also visited South Korea, France, and China. As a result, the final list of candidate suppliers includes Russian Rosatom, Korean KHNP, Chinese CNNC, and French EDF. While in Russia, the Kazakh delegation also consulted with Leningrad NPP management and visited the satellite town of Sosnovy Bor, a scientific and engineering innovation hub. The Leningrad NPP is Russia’s largest by installed capacity and features two types of reactors: uranium-graphite RBMK and water-water VVER. “We have completed a series of working visits dedicated to studying advanced nuclear power technologies. Familiarization with the operation of Leningrad NPP allowed us to study in detail the key aspects of operation, the safety of the plant, and its impact on the environment,” Energy Minister Satkaliyev stated. The final decision on the supplier or consortium to construct the NPP will be made in 2025. This decision will take into account Kazakhstan’s national interests, its international obligations, and recommendations from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant is set to be built in the village of Ulken on the shores of Lake Balkhash. The project is intended to address the country’s growing power shortages and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Potential partners from China, Russia, South Korea, and France are being considered, and the project is expected to be financed through foreign loans.

Kazakhstan to Train Workforce for Future Nuclear Power Plants

Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant (NPP) is expected to create permanent employment for approximately 2,000 people, with an additional 10,000 workers involved during its construction. This announcement was made by Energy Minister Almasadam Satkaliyev during a recent government meeting. The country plans to commission its first NPP by 2035. A shortlist of potential builders includes four international companies: China’s CNNC, Russia’s Rosatom, South Korea’s KHNP, and France’s EDF. Authorities have also suggested the possibility of forming a consortium involving multiple countries to leverage diverse technological solutions. Alongside these efforts, Kazakhstan intends to independently train the specialists required for NPP operations. Minister Satkaliyev highlighted plans to establish specialized training programs in domestic colleges to develop skills for roles such as dosimetrists, steam turbine equipment mechanics, nuclear power plant maintenance and repair specialists, and IT specialists for nuclear facilities. Practical training will be conducted at the National Nuclear Center and the Institute of Nuclear Physics. “By 2030, the NPP construction project will create around 5,000 jobs, peaking at approximately 10,000 jobs in 2032. Once operational, the first plant will provide at least 2,000 permanent positions,” Satkaliyev stated. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, Kazakhstan is accelerating the construction timeline for the NPP, located in the Almaty region, and plans to select a contractor in the first half of this year. During the government meeting, which coincided with the “Year of Working Professions” initiative, Satkaliyev also addressed the broader labor demand in Kazakhstan’s energy sector. The industry is expected to require over 16,000 additional workers, including power engineers, welders, fitters, gas cutters, and electricians, by 2030. The country’s energy sector currently employs 303,000 people across 1,600 enterprises, with 99 new projects planned over the next five years. To attract and retain talent, the Ministry of Energy aims to achieve an annual 15% wage increase for production personnel in energy-producing companies. Meanwhile, Talgat Yergaliyev, Chairman of the Union of Builders of Kazakhstan (UBC), has called for simplifying the hiring process for foreign labor to address workforce shortages in Kazakhstan’s construction sector.

Kazakhstan Plans to Accelerate Construction of First Nuclear Power Plant

Kazakhstan’s Energy Minister, Almasadam Satkaliyev, has announced that the selection of a contractor for the country’s first nuclear power plant (NPP) will be finalized in the first half of 2025. The government is awaiting proposals from bidders that focus on shortening construction timelines and reducing project costs. This follows President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's directive to expedite the implementation of the nuclear power plant project. “The commission will do everything possible to advance this process and make a decision on the contractor in the first half of 2025,” Satkaliyev told reporters. The shortlist for the potential builders includes four companies: China’s CNNC, Russia’s Rosatom, South Korea’s KHNP, and France’s EDF. Kazakh authorities have also indicated that a consortium involving multiple countries might be formed to leverage diverse technological solutions. Deputy Prime Minister Roman Sklyar highlighted the benefits of such collaboration, where different countries could contribute specific components, such as nuclear islands, turbines, or distribution systems. Satkaliyev emphasized the need for faster construction solutions, citing a precedent where China’s national nuclear company built a power unit in Pakistan in six years. “In today’s world, there are possibilities for expedited solutions,” he stated. Kazakhstan previously projected a 10-year timeline for constructing the NPP. However, the country is expected to face a 2.4 gigawatt energy deficit by 2035, underscoring the urgency of completing the project. The energy minister noted that the process from construction to the launch of the first unit could take up to 14 years, making accelerated timelines crucial. The Times of Central Asia previously reported on the results of a referendum held on October 6, which showed that 71.12% of voters approved the construction of a nuclear power plant in the Almaty region. The accelerated development of the NPP reflects Kazakhstan’s commitment to addressing its future energy needs while integrating advanced international technologies and solutions.

Navigating Energy and Diplomacy: Putin’s Visit to Kazakhstan

The Kremlin has confirmed that Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit Kazakhstan on November 27 at the invitation of Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. The visit is expected to focus on several key issues, with the construction of Kazakhstan's first nuclear power plant likely to be high on the agenda. As part of the visit, the two leaders will participate in the 20th Forum of Inter-regional Cooperation between Kazakhstan and Russia via video conference. Additionally, Putin will attend the regular session of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) Collective Security Council, chaired by President Tokayev, on November 28. The meeting will involve heads of state from Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, as well as CSTO Secretary General Imangali Tasmagambetov. The agenda includes discussions on regional and international security, with a program to strengthen Tajik-Afghan border security set to be adopted. Notably, given its currently tumultuous relationship with Russia in the wake of Azerbaijan's invasion of Nagorno-Karabakh, Armenia will not participate, with its Foreign Minister, Ararat Mirzoyan having opted out of attending. Focus on Nuclear Power and the Role of a Consortium Experts believe that Putin’s visit will include discussions on nuclear energy. This aligns with recent remarks by Kazakh Energy Minister Almasadam Satkaliyev, who stated that Kazakhstan is open to discussing nuclear power plant construction with Russia, among other potential partners. Satkaliyev emphasized that energy issues remain a cornerstone of international cooperation, and Kazakhstan has established an intergovernmental commission to evaluate proposals from various vendors on a competitive basis. Kazakhstan’s First Deputy Prime Minister Roman Sklyar has highlighted the importance of forming an international consortium for the project. Speaking in September, Sklyar noted that political risks and safety concerns would be addressed during the process. He also emphasized the need to incorporate cutting-edge technologies from global leaders in the nuclear energy sector. On November 14, Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov met with Alexei Likhachev, Director General of the Russian State Atomic Energy Corporation, Rosatom. The meeting focused on cooperation in nuclear energy, quantum technologies, digitization, and the development of human resources. Rosatom, a diversified company involved in engineering and construction, currently has 39 nuclear power units in various stages of development across ten countries. Public Support and Future Plans The potential construction of a nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan has garnered significant public support. In an October 2024 referendum, 71.2% of Kazakh voters approved the initiative. Commenting on the result, Tokayev suggested that an international consortium involving global companies with advanced technologies would be the best approach for the project. Kazakhstan’s energy landscape is characterized by a reliance on aging thermal power plants, which are increasingly unable to meet the demands of a growing population and economy, with electricity shortages projected to worsen, particularly in the rapidly developing southern regions. The construction of a nuclear power plant, therefore, is seen as a crucial step toward alleviating these shortages, reducing dependence on overpriced imports from Russia, and achieving carbon neutrality goals. The construction of Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant presents both...

Chinese Companies to Purchase Uranium Concentrates from Kazatomprom for $2.5 Billion

Shareholders of Kazatomprom, Kazakhstan’s national uranium producer, have approved agreements with two Chinese partners: CNNC Overseas and China National Uranium Corporation (CNUC). These agreements include a spot contract with CNNC Overseas and a long-term contract with CNUC. Under the terms of these deals, Kazatomprom plans to supply uranium concentrates to China valued at approximately KZT1.25 trillion (around $2.5 billion). While the company has not disclosed specific delivery timelines or volumes, the agreements mark a significant development in Kazakhstan-China nuclear energy cooperation. CNNC Overseas registered in Hong Kong, and CNUC, based in China, are both subsidiaries of the China National Nuclear Corporation, a state-owned entity responsible for operating nuclear power plants across China. Kazatomprom has been deepening its ties with China in the nuclear energy sector. In May 2023, a ceremony at the Fangchenggang Nuclear Power Plant marked the acceptance of fuel assemblies produced by Ulba-TVS LLP, a Kazakh-Chinese joint venture in Ust-Kamenogorsk. These assemblies, made from Kazakhstani uranium feedstock, are destined for use in Chinese nuclear power facilities.