Kazakhstan Considers Building Second and Third Nuclear Power Plants

In an interview with Ana Tili newspaper, Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev discussed the country's plans for nuclear power, including the potential construction of a second and third nuclear power plant (NPP).

President Tokayev highlighted that during the referendum on nuclear power plant construction, he emphasized the involvement of foreign companies with advanced technologies, The Caspian Post reports, citing Kazakh media.

An international consortium would be formed for the project, he explained, but the government has yet to finalize which companies will be prioritized.

“This issue was discussed with Vladimir Putin during his visit to Astana. It was agreed that Kazakhstan, as the project customer, would act as the general operator in the consortium. One of the key points discussed was the potential involvement of Rosatom, which has significant expertise and experience in constructing nuclear power plants abroad. We are also in talks with a Chinese company, considering China's successes in building civilian nuclear facilities. Additionally, other foreign corporations, including Western firms, have expressed interest,” Tokayev said.

The president noted that tendering procedures for the project would take place in 2025, after which the government would make its final decision.

“I am convinced that Kazakhstan needs a high-capacity nuclear power plant. Moreover, I do not rule out that we will start building the second, and possibly the third NPP. The nuclear industry will provide a significant boost to our economy, which is already facing an energy deficit. I believe that Kazakhstan should evolve into a nation with a developed nuclear energy sector. It holds great potential for the future,” President Tokayev emphasized.

On October 6, Kazakhstan held a nationwide a referendum on a nuclear power plant construction. 71.12% of voters (5,561,937 people) voted for the NPP construction, while 26.13% (2,045,271 people) voted against. The voter's turnout reached 63.66% or 7,820,204 people.

Minister of Energy Almasadam Satkaliyev said that the participants of the Consortium for the Nuclear Power Plant Construction in Kazakhstan would be determined in the first half of 2025.