Kazakhstan aims to increase domestic participation in its future nuclear power industry to 30% before construction begins on the country’s planned NPPs. This is expected to generate up to $4.5bn in local production and contracts. The policy is outlined in a government-approved comprehensive plan for the Development of Localisation in the Nuclear Industry for 2026–2030, adopted earlier in May.
Kazakhstan is accelerating preparations for the construction of at least three NPPs. Preparatory work is already underway at the Balkhash site of the first plant, which is being constructed by Rosatom. Currently, Kazakhstan’s industrial sector is estimated to be capable of supplying only 20–22% of the goods, services and equipment required for the nuclear sector. The government plans to increase this to 30% by the start of plant construction.
The government document identifies several major challenges facing Kazakhstan’s nuclear industry ambitions. Among them are the limited number of domestic enterprises capable of producing nuclear-grade equipment and materials, insufficient compliance with international safety and quality standards, shortages of qualified specialists and limited experience working within the nuclear sector. Authorities also highlighted the need to strengthen quality control systems and technical regulation.
Under the plan, Kazakhstan intends to create a broader regulatory framework for the nuclear industry, including amendments to existing legislation and the adoption of new regulatory acts. The government also plans to assess the sector’s future procurement needs, evaluate the capabilities of Kazakhstan’s industrial market, modernise existing factories, establish new production facilities and introduce digital systems into the supply chain.
The measures are intended not only to prepare Kazakhstan for nuclear plant construction, but also to improve the technological competitiveness of domestic industry and increase the participation of Kazakh companies in large-scale infrastructure projects.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Kazakhstan Atomic Energy Agency, Almasadam Satkaliev, has held with Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev in Moscow. Discussions covered a wide range of issues related to the Balkhash NPP.
“We discussed issues of localisation and involvement of Kazakh companies in the construction of this station, issues of personnel training, as well as the overall development of cooperation for the long term, Satkaliev noted. “It is gratifying to note that we have found a common understanding on all positions. Basic approaches have been developed that fully meet the interests of our states and the strategic nature of relations between our countries.”
Following the meeting, Likhachev emphasised the importance of comprehensive preparation for the implementation of Balkhash project, including conducting engineering and natural-climatic studies of the site. Almost the entire production programme is being implemented, we need at least a year of monitoring the site in order to generate all the necessary reports based on this and implement the project in clear connection with the natural, geological and weather conditions of this particular place,” he said.
