CNNC - The Times Of Central Asia

Viewing results 1 - 6 of 8

Nuclear Energy

Tokayev Proposes Regional Nuclear Council in Kazakhstan

At the second Central Asia-Russia summit in Dushanbe, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev proposed establishing a regional council in Kazakhstan focused on nuclear fuel cycle expertise and radioactive waste management. The proposal follows last year’s national referendum in which over 70% of voters supported building a nuclear power plant (NPP) in Kazakhstan. Since then, the government has selected a site for the first plant and announced plans to construct at least two additional facilities. This summer, Rosatom began construction of the first NPP in the Almaty region in southern Kazakhstan. Tokayev has previously emphasized the need for Kazakhstan to develop domestic expertise in the peaceful use of nuclear energy, citing international best practices. He expanded on this vision during the Dushanbe summit. “Cooperation in the nuclear industry will ensure the development of a number of related industries, which is critically important for us,” Tokayev stated. “We propose to establish a Regional Council of Competencies in the field of the nuclear fuel cycle and radioactive waste management in Kazakhstan. It is important to strengthen the modern research base and the system for training qualified personnel. The first step in this direction has already been taken: a branch of the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI has opened in Almaty,” Tokayev said, referring to the Moscow-based institute that has conducted nuclear research since 1953. He added that Kazakhstan intends to continue developing this sector in cooperation with research institutions from both countries. Tokayev also highlighted recent progress in regional energy integration, citing the trilateral gas union between Russia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan as a key development in ensuring stable gas supplies for both citizens and industry. “An important document on cooperation in the gas sector between Kazakhstan and Russia was signed recently in St. Petersburg,” he said, referencing a memorandum with Gazprom on the construction of a new gas pipeline from Russia to Kazakhstan to support domestic gasification. The president also underscored the strategic role of the Caspian Pipeline Consortium, which transported approximately 63 million tons of Kazakh oil to Europe in 2024. He noted the increasing significance of the so-called eastern vector for hydrocarbon exports. “Kazakhstan serves as a transit corridor for Russian oil to China, with volumes reaching up to 10 million tons per year. In 2024, deliveries have already surpassed this level. Given this momentum, there is potential to further increase capacity,” Tokayev said. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) has been awarded contracts to build the second and third nuclear power plants in Kazakhstan.

Nuclear power

IAEA Approves Site for Nuclear Power Plant in Eastern Kazakhstan

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has approved a site near the city of Kurchatov in Kazakhstan’s eastern Abai region for the potential construction of a nuclear power plant, according to its Chairman Almasadam Satkaliyev. Kazakhstan held a national referendum last year on nuclear energy development, with over 71 percent of voters endorsing the construction of a nuclear power plant. Following the vote, the government selected Russia’s Rosatom as the contractor for the country’s first facility, located in the Almaty region. Construction has already begun near the village of Ulken on the shores of Lake Balkhash, approximately 400 kilometers from Almaty. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has since outlined plans to build a network of two to three nuclear power plants across the country. He has instructed the government to finalize both the vendor selection and site locations. China’s National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) has been chosen to construct two additional plants, although their locations remain undecided. Kurchatov, adjacent to the former Semipalatinsk nuclear test site, and the Mangystau region on the Caspian Sea coast are under consideration. Speaking before parliament, Satkaliyev confirmed that the Kurchatov site has received IAEA approval. “We have a very transparent procedure before any decision on construction: mandatory public hearings, mandatory conclusions from the Ministry of Emergency Situations and other authorized state bodies, a full site survey, and an assessment by international experts. The IAEA has already approved the Kurchatov site, but without the consent of the local population, construction will not begin anywhere in Kazakhstan,” he said. Satkaliyev emphasized that no final decision has been made regarding construction in Kurchatov, but he expressed personal support for deploying small and medium modular reactors in the Abai region, which he described as “not as critically dangerous.” A decision has also not been finalized on the potential western site. Satkaliyev noted that the Caspian coast remains under review for the installation of small or medium reactors. “A corresponding study will soon be carried out to assess the feasibility of construction, based on IAEA criteria: seismic activity, safety, availability of a reservoir, and sufficient water supply. We believe this site has strong potential,” he said. During a recent meeting of the State Commission on the Atomic Industry, the Zhambyl district in the Almaty region was identified as another prospective site. “This means the second plant will also be in the south of the country, where there is currently an energy deficit. Electricity is transmitted there via the North-South transit line. A plant in this region would improve the reliability and stability of energy supply,” Satkaliyev explained. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, Tokayev also announced plans to establish nuclear science cities in Almaty and Kurchatov to support the development of nuclear energy and nuclear medicine.

Nuclear Power Plant

Over Sixty Kazakh Firms Compete to Join First Nuclear Power Plant Project

More than 60 Kazakh companies have expressed an interest in supplying goods, services, and undertaking construction work for the country's first nuclear power plant, according to Sergey Agafonov, chairman of the Kazakhstan Association of Energy Repair, Design, Engineering Companies, and Energy Equipment Manufacturers. Construction of the plant began last week near the village of Ulken on the shores of Lake Balkhash, approximately 400 kilometers from Almaty. Under the current plan, Russia’s state nuclear energy corporation Rosatom will commission two reactors with a combined capacity of 2.4 GW by 2035. The facility is expected to meet a substantial share of Kazakhstan’s growing electricity demand. The estimated cost of the project is between $14 billion and $15 billion, with an additional $1 billion allocated for the development of social infrastructure in the region. Rosatom CEO Alexei Likhachev confirmed the company’s readiness to involve Kazakh businesses during a meeting with Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov. According to the industry association, the preliminary list of potential Kazakh participants includes 66 companies: seven energy equipment manufacturers, 41 building materials producers, and 18 construction firms. Notable names include Tavrida Electric Astana, NERO Group, Kazakhstan Insulator Plant, Sayman Corporation, KARLSKRONA LC AB, Alageum Electric, and Karaganda Turbomachinery Plant. Among building materials suppliers, Qarmet is prominent, while Bazis-A Corp. stands out among construction companies. Agafonov noted that the project could serve as a major driver for local industry, drawing a parallel to Turkey’s Akkuyu nuclear power plant, where local firms played a substantial role. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, Kazakhstan plans to construct at least three nuclear power plants. The Chinese National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) has been granted the rights to develop the second and third sites.

Nuclear Power Plant

China’s CNNC to Build Third Nuclear Power Plant in Kazakhstan

China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), which previously secured the contract for Kazakhstan’s second nuclear power plant, will now lead the construction of a third facility, according to First Deputy Prime Minister Roman Sklyar. In October 2024, Kazakh citizens voted in a national referendum in favor of nuclear energy development. Following the vote, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced the need to construct at least two, and ideally three, nuclear power plants. In June 2025, Russia’s Rosatom was selected to build the first plant near the village of Ulken, on the western shore of Lake Balkhash, approximately 400 kilometers northwest of Almaty. Simultaneously, CNNC was announced as the builder for the second facility. Potential locations for this project include Kurchatov, near the former Semipalatinsk nuclear test site in eastern Kazakhstan, and Aktau, the former site of the Soviet-era BN-350 fast neutron reactor in the west. The identity of the third project’s contractor remained unclear until now. Alongside Rosatom and CNNC, South Korea’s KHNP and France’s EDF had been shortlisted. “The third nuclear power plant will also be built by China,” Sklyar confirmed during a press briefing. When asked whether this referred to CNNC specifically, he replied in the affirmative. Kazakhstan’s Atomic Energy Agency and Kazakhstan Atomic Power Plants LLP are currently evaluating potential sites for the second and third nuclear plants. “Work is underway, and I believe the locations will be announced later this year,” Sklyar said. “Each plant requires a permanent source of water and electricity, and the exact districts must be carefully selected.” Meanwhile, negotiations on the intergovernmental agreement for the first nuclear plant, being developed by Rosatom, are ongoing with Russian officials. “Once finalized, the agreement will be submitted to parliament for ratification,” Sklyar added. The first nuclear power plant is planned to have two units with a combined capacity of 2.4 gigawatts and is expected to be operational by 2035. The project is intended to help offset Kazakhstan’s growing electricity deficit, which reached 5.7 billion kWh in January 2025, up from 2.4 billion kWh a year earlier. To meet its current energy needs, Kazakhstan imports electricity primarily from Russia and recently signed an agreement with Tajikistan to purchase additional power from the Rogun Hydroelectric Power Plant.