The Ministries of Finance of Kazakhstan and Russia are continuing negotiations on financing the construction of the Kazakhstan’s first NPP, the head of the Atomic Energy Agency Almasadam Satkaliev told reporters. “Currently, productive negotiations are underway between the ministries of finance of the two states to obtain an interstate loan, our expectations are very hopeful,” he said, adding that design work at the Ulken site will continue for at least two years.
The first nuclear power plant near Lake Balkhash will be built by Rosatom. In August, workers began drilling the first exploration well and taking soil samples at the site of the future plant near the village of Ulken, Almaty region. Rosatom has signed a road map with Kazakhstan for the construction of two VVER-1200 nuclear power units. Construction of the station will take approximately 11 years, and could be completed in 2035-2036. The possibility of attracting state export financing from Russia is being considered.
“Based on international practice, as you know, design and survey work has already begun on the Ulken site,” said Satkaliev. “In line with standard practice, it has been underway for at least two years. The design and estimate documentation is being adjusted, then it must undergo a state examination and obtain permission to begin construction,” he noted.
Satkaliev added that Kazakhstan continues negotiations with China on the construction of two more NPPs but no agreements have been concluded. “No final agreement has been reached yet. It is necessary to go through the entire stage of commercial negotiations. The government must determine the construction site, make calculations, and understand the terms of financing,” he noted.
In total, it is planned to build three NPPs in Kazakhstan as part of a nuclear cluster project. The government has stated that the second and third plants could be built by the Chinese China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC).
