Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has approved plans to construct at least three NPPs in Kazakhstan by 2060 through a presidential decree On approval of the strategy for the development of the nuclear industry of the Republic of Kazakhstan until 2050. “The development of the nuclear industry is considered a strategic direction of state policy, which will allow the formation of a comprehensive, safe, environmentally responsible and high-tech national nuclear cluster by 2050,” the decree states. “In the long term, the core of this cluster will be nuclear energy integrated with industry, science, education and a safe system for handling radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel.”
The document provides for the phased implementation of a programme to build at least three NPPs, taking into account the country’s carbon neutrality strategy until 2060 and the need to diversify base-load power generation. A national holding company uniting nuclear energy enterprises will also be established. The main goals of the strategy are to ensure energy security, technological sovereignty and sustainable economic development through the formation of a competitive high-tech nuclear industry.
According to the Kazkahstan Atomic Energy Agency (KAEA), the nuclear energy development strategy aims to ensure energy security, support sustainable economic growth, and meet international climate commitments, while fostering high-tech industries and strengthening Kazakhstan’s position in the global nuclear sector. “According to the Strategy, by 2050, at least three nuclear power plants will be operating in the Republic of Kazakhstan,” it notes. “The first NPP project is already being implemented, construction of the second is under consideration, and for the third NPP, the potential use of small modular reactor technologies is being explored.”
In addition to plant construction, the strategy provides for the rational use of uranium resources, localisation of equipment and nuclear fuel production, and the development of national industrial capacity. Particular attention is being given to advancing nuclear science and applied technologies, creating a modern scientific and technological base, and establishing a system for training qualified personnel.
The document outlines measures for the safe management of radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel to minimise environmental risks. Plans include the introduction of digital solutions and ensuring a high level of information security at nuclear facilities. “The implementation of the Strategy will enable the creation of a modern and sustainable nuclear cluster in Kazakhstan, integrated into the global nuclear ecosystem,” KAEA said.
A Centre of Competence for NPP construction will be established on the basis of Kazakhstan Nuclear Power Plants. This will serve as a project office, general contractor, and holder of state equity stakes in future plants. In the longer term, Kazakhstan plans to create a specialised nuclear energy holding company that will unite project and operating organisations in the sector.
According to expert estimates, construction of a single nuclear power plant will require up to 10,000 workers, including more than 3,000 technical specialists. “In this regard, active work is underway to update technical and vocational education programmes,” KAEA said. “Particular attention is being paid to training specialists such as turbine equipment operators, electricians, NPP equipment installers, and technicians responsible for plant operation and safety.” Programmes for applied bachelor’s degrees in nuclear energy are also being developed, along with new specialties, including reactor equipment operators.
Contracts for the construction of the second and third NPPs have been awarded to China National Nuclear Corporation, while the first plant will be built by Russia’s state corporation Rosatom. The site for the first plant is located in the village of Ulken in the Almaty region, on the shores of Lake Balkhash, approximately 400 km northwest of Almaty. The government has approved the Zhambyl district of Almaty region, adjacent to the first plant’s site, as the location for the second NPP. Implementation of the first NPP project has begun, the construction of the second station is under review, and the possibility of using small modular reactor technologies for the third NPP is being studied.
