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Kazakhstan’s Crypto Aspirations Face a Power Problem

Kazakhstan’s First Deputy Minister of Digital Development, Innovation, and Aerospace Industry, Kanysh Tuleushin, believes that state-regulated cryptocurrency mining could generate substantial revenue and help modernize the country's energy infrastructure. Tuleushin argues that Kazakhstan has the potential to become Central Asia’s leading blockchain hub. However, this vision clashes with the country’s ongoing energy crisis, which continues to impact households and businesses. Optimistic Vision In an article published in the state newspaper Kazakhstanskaya Pravda, Tuleushin outlined how mining operations could contribute to the development of Kazakhstan’s power generation capabilities. He emphasized the use of associated petroleum gas (APG) to produce electricity for mining, which he claims would reduce carbon emissions and boost oil sector profits. “Miners can help modernize the power grid. In the U.S., they participate in grid balancing by consuming excess energy during low-demand periods. Kazakhstan already has a ‘70⁄30’ initiative, where foreign investors upgrade thermal power plants, allocating 70% of new capacity to the general grid and 30% to miners,” Tuleushin wrote. Tuleushin reported that cryptocurrency mining has brought 17.7 billion tenge to the national budget over the past three years. Meanwhile, trading volume on the Astana International Financial Center (AIFC) exchanges increased from $324.2 million in 2023 to $1.4 billion in 2024. From January 1, 2025, miners will be required to sell 75% of their assets through the AIFC. Despite a generally cautious regulatory stance, Kazakhstan permits digital asset trading within the AIFC. Digital assets are categorized as secured (linked to physical assets) or unsecured (such as Bitcoin and Ethereum). In 2023, digital asset transactions in Kazakhstan reached $4.1 billion, but 91.5% occurred in the “gray zone,” beyond state oversight. In 2024 alone, the Financial Monitoring Agency shut down 36 illegal crypto exchanges, froze $4.8 million in assets, and blocked over 3,500 illicit platforms. Tuleushin argues that fully legalizing and regulating these operations could add more than 190 billion tenge annually to the budget, enough to fund major public infrastructure such as schools and hospitals. He proposes extending crypto trading beyond the AIFC, authorizing crypto ATMs, and opening the market to major players, an approach akin to that of the UAE. Tuleushin also claimed that regions like Pavlodar and Karaganda have electricity surpluses and that Kazakhstan's cold climate further lowers operational costs for miners. Unchecked Consumption and Mounting Strain Despite the deputy minister's optimism, Kazakhstan’s Supreme Audit Chamber (SAC) has raised alarms over uncontrolled energy consumption by miners. According to a 2024 audit, miners consumed 901 million kWh worth 13 billion tenge, despite a national energy shortage, by bypassing RFZ LLP, the country’s sole energy purchaser. Former Prime Minister and current head of the Supreme Audit Chamber, Alikhan Smailov, warned, “Miners are consuming up to a billion kilowatt-hours. This is damaging our economy. How can we allow unchecked consumption amid such a crisis?” The audit revealed systemic issues, including deteriorating Soviet-era power plants (55% average wear), a 4,500-worker shortfall in the energy sector, and a lack of financial oversight by the Ministry of Energy. Looming Crisis In January...

small nuclear power plant Nuclear power reactor equipment Jizzakh Region

Russia Launches Production of Reactor Equipment for Uzbek Nuclear Project

Russia’s state nuclear corporation Rosatom has begun manufacturing reactor equipment for Uzbekistan’s first small nuclear power plant, marking a significant step in bilateral energy cooperation. The announcement was made during Energy Week in Tashkent, which runs from May 13 to 15, according to TASS. Rosatom’s facility in Saint Petersburg has completed the first steel casting for the RITM-200N reactor unit, weighing 205 tons. The company noted that this casting marks the initial phase of reactor assembly. Project Overview The nuclear power plant will be built in Uzbekistan’s Jizzakh region under a contract signed on May 27, 2024. It will comprise six small modular reactors (SMRs), each with a capacity of 55 megawatts, for a combined output of 330 megawatts. Atomstroyexport, a Rosatom subsidiary, is the main contractor, with participation from several Uzbek construction firms. The RITM-200N reactor is derived from Russia’s naval reactor technology and has been adapted for stationary, land-based use. Rosatom describes it as compact and efficient, with a design that enables accelerated construction timelines, qualities seen as key to addressing modern energy challenges. Strategic Importance Rosatom CEO Alexey Likhachev confirmed that all legal and contractual matters between Russia and Uzbekistan have been finalized. He added that construction could begin within a year, or potentially even sooner. Azim Akhmadkhodjaev, head of Uzbekistan’s Atomic Energy Agency, emphasized the strategic significance of nuclear energy in reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels. He also outlined national plans to increase the share of renewable energy in Uzbekistan’s energy mix from 16% to 54% by 2030. Energy analysts say that combining nuclear and renewable sources will help Uzbekistan meet its growing electricity needs while mitigating environmental impact.

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Uzbekistan Looks to Nuclear Power for Energy Security

Uzbekistan is moving forward with plans to build its first nuclear power plant, a project that officials say is critical to the country’s long-term energy security. In an interview with the Alter Ego YouTube project, Azim Akhmadkhodjaev, head of Uzbekistan’s Atomic Energy Agency, argued that nuclear power is the only viable alternative to continued reliance on imported fossil fuels. “Let’s continue to import high-calorie coal, burn it, and poison our environment. Let's import tens of billions of cubic meters of gas and spend money on it. Or we can build a few nuclear power plants, reduce the cost of electricity, and become energy independent. Will we achieve energy independence? Undoubtedly, yes,” Akhmadkhodjaev said. A Strategic Partnership with Global Players The nuclear power project is being developed with Russian technical support, but Akhmadkhodjaev emphasized that this does not compromise Uzbekistan’s sovereignty. The plant will be fully owned and operated by Uzbekistan, with local specialists overseeing daily operations. “The nuclear island will be Russian because this technology is the most reliable and proven. However, the automated control system will be based on European technology, and the turbine equipment will be made in Europe or China,” he explained. In addition to Russian expertise, Uzbekistan is engaging with several French companies. Negotiations are ongoing with Assystem for technical support, Bureau Veritas for training specialists, and Framatome for managing key technical aspects of the project. Balancing Energy Sources While pursuing nuclear energy, Uzbekistan is also working to boost the share of renewables in its energy mix, from 16% today to 54% by 2030. Energy analysts say that a diversified portfolio, combining nuclear and renewable sources, will help the country meet its energy needs while minimizing environmental harm.

Location Nuclear power plants Nuclear Energy Nuclear power

Kazakhstan Finalizes Sites for Second and Third Nuclear Power Plants

Kazakhstan’s Energy Ministry has identified the regions of Balkhash, Kurchatov, and Mangistau as potential sites for the country’s second and third nuclear power plants, Energy Minister Almasadam Satkaliyev has announced. The first plant is set to be built in Almaty region. New Construction Sites Initially, Kazakhstan planned to build a single nuclear power plant by 2035 to address potential energy shortages. However, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev later instructed the government to explore the construction of at least two additional plants. Following an Energy Ministry board meeting on Wednesday, Satkaliyev told reporters that three locations are under consideration for the second and third nuclear plants: Balkhash - a city in southeastern Kazakhstan. Kurchatov - a city in the Abai region that previously served the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site during the Soviet era. Aktau - the regional center of Mangistau, where an experimental nuclear reactor operated during the Soviet era. “We plan to build at least three nuclear power plants in Kazakhstan in the medium term. The government has identified promising sites for the second and third plants based on regional development needs, electricity demand, and diversification of the national power grid. The Balkhash site is highly promising, with the capacity for up to four 1,200 MW units. Kurchatov is suitable for two 1,200 MW units. The Mangistau site also offers significant advantages, including the potential for a medium-capacity plant,” Satkaliyev stated. Timeline and Contractors for the First Plant The government has approved the Zhambyl district of Almaty region, near the village of Ulken, as the site for the first nuclear power plant. However, the final decision will depend on engineering surveys in the region. Four companies are in contention to construct Kazakhstan’s first nuclear plant: Rosatom (Russia) KHNP (South Korea) CNNC (China) EDF (France) “In the first half of 2025, we plan to announce the configuration for the first nuclear power plant,” Satkaliyev said. The Energy Ministry has sent a list of 207 questions covering 19 key aspects of construction and operation to all four bidders. Responses were received last week and are now under review by an interdepartmental commission. “It is too early to determine a frontrunner. The final decision on the contractor will be made after a thorough review, possibly even earlier than expected,” Satkaliyev noted. A referendum held on October 6, 2024, showed that 71.12% of voters approved the construction of a nuclear power plant in Almaty region.

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Powering the Future: Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan Race to Tackle Energy Crises with Nuclear Plans

Kazakhstan has officially designated the site for its first nuclear power plant (NPP), while Uzbekistan has also identified a location and announced plans to establish an international consortium. Despite severe power shortages in densely populated regions, concrete timelines for construction remain unclear. Kazakhstan Finalizes NPP Site Selection On February 25, Kazakhstan formally approved the construction site for its first NPP. A decree signed by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov designated the Zhambyl district in the Almaty region as the site for the facility. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev reiterated in January 2025 that Kazakhstan would likely require multiple nuclear power plants, and urged the government to accelerate the construction process. International Consortium Considered for Construction Kazakhstan has yet to finalize its choice of technology and contractor. In 2024, Tokayev stated that multiple foreign companies should collaborate on the project through an international consortium. Tokayev emphasized the need for cutting-edge technology from global players. Several companies and technologies are currently under consideration, including: CNNC (China) - HPR-1000 reactor Rosatom (Russia) - VVER-1200 reactor KHNP (South Korea) - APR-1000, APR-1400 reactors EDF (France) - EPR1200 reactor. Political analyst Gaziz Abishev noted that the selection of locations and contractors reflects Kazakhstan’s multi-vector foreign policy. Abishev suggested that Kazakhstan could ultimately build three NPPs, potentially awarding contracts to Rosatom, a Chinese-French consortium, and a South Korean firm. While Rosatom remains the frontrunner, only preliminary agreements with Russia have been reported so far. Urgency Amidst a Growing Energy Deficit Kazakhstan faces an urgent need to begin NPP construction due to its increasing electricity shortfall. In 2024, electricity consumption reached 120.6 billion kWh, while production stood at 118.3 billion kWh, resulting in a 2.4 billion kWh deficit. By 2025, the deficit is projected to rise to 3.3 billion kWh. The situation is particularly dire in southern Kazakhstan, where demand far exceeds supply. The region consumes 27.7 billion kWh but produces only 15.3 billion kWh, creating a 12.4 billion kWh deficit. As a result, Kazakhstan is heavily reliant on Russian electricity imports. Aging infrastructure exacerbates the crisis. In the winters of 2023-2024, power plant failures left residents in the towns of Ridder and Ekibastuz without heat during extreme subzero temperatures. The government reports that 66% of CHPP equipment is worn out, with five major plants, in Uralsk, Stepnogorsk, Taraz, Kyzylorda, and Kentau, operating with over 80% wear and tear. The average age of CHPPs in Kazakhstan is 61 years, with 76% of plants exceeding 50 years of operation. Experts argue that Kazakhstan cannot achieve energy independence without nuclear power. The energy deficit will continue to grow, particularly in Almaty, the country’s largest city, which is at risk of blackouts and rolling outages. Uzbekistan Moves Forward with Its First NPP Uzbekistan is also advancing its nuclear energy plans. The first NPP will be built in the Jizzakh region, approximately 1,000 km from Kazakhstan’s planned plant. In May 2024, Uzatom signed a contract with Atomstroyexport, a division of Rosatom, for the construction of a 330 MW low-capacity nuclear plant consisting of six...

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Kazakhstan Trains a Thousand Specialists for Future Nuclear Power Plants

Six universities in Kazakhstan are currently training personnel for the nuclear and atomic industries. According to Gulzhan Dzharasova, Deputy Chairman of the Committee of Higher and Postgraduate Education at the Ministry of Science, approximately 1,000 students are pursuing engineering degrees related to the nuclear sector. Kazakhstan’s decision to build its first nuclear power plant (NPP) was made last fall following a referendum, in which more than 70% of the population voted in favor of nuclear energy. The first plant is set to be built in the Almaty region and is expected to be operational by 2035, as the country anticipates an energy shortage by that time. The plant will require a workforce of at least 2,000 employees, and the Ministry of Energy aims to train specialists domestically to meet this demand. To support this initiative, local colleges will introduce training programs for key technical roles, including dosimetrists, steam turbine equipment repair specialists, nuclear power plant maintenance and mechanical repair specialists, and IT professionals specializing in nuclear energy. Currently, 921 students are enrolled in nuclear engineering programs at Kazakhstan’s higher education institutions, with nearly all (96%) receiving government-funded scholarships. “As part of a strategic partnership in this field, branches of leading foreign universities are being established. The National Research Nuclear University has been created at the Kazakh National University (KazNU). Additionally, a consortium of German technical universities has launched a new training format for engineers in the electric power industry. In 2024, a branch of Anhalt University opened at the Almaty University of Power Engineering and Communications, where specialists in electrical and power engineering are being trained,” Dzharasova said. Kazakhstan’s Growing Need for Nuclear Energy Experts Kazakhstan’s Minister of Energy, Almasadam Satkaliyev, addressed concerns about the demand for nuclear energy specialists. He stated that the country will need at least three nuclear power plants, which would require a workforce of 5,000 to 6,000 trained professionals. “The sites for all three plants will be selected based on a comprehensive plan. It is not feasible to plan one station first and then another separately. We must first analyze the network configuration, power distribution schemes, cross-border energy flows, grid voltage levels, the necessary number of substations, and the feasibility of using direct current (DC) technology for long-distance transmission,” Satkaliyev explained. Accelerating Nuclear Power Plant Construction At a recent briefing, Satkaliyev also stated that the first nuclear power plant unit in Kazakhstan could be completed within eight years. “Even considering the average global timeline for such projects, we will push vendors to explore the possibility of expediting construction so that we can have the first unit operational within eight years,” he said. The Times of Central Asia previously reported that Kazakhstan plans to select a contractor for the construction of its first nuclear power plant in the first half of this year.