Engineering surveys have been launched in Ulken, in the Zhambyl District of the Almaty Region, marking the first stage of a project that will result in the construction of Kazakhstan’s first NPP. The event was attended by Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev; Chairman of the Kazakhstan Atomic Energy Agency (KAEA), Almasadam Satkaliyev; and Akim (governor) of the Almaty Region Marat Sultangaziyev.
A referendum on NPP construction took place in Kazakhstan in 2024, with the majority of voters supporting nuclear development. In June, Rosatom was designated as the lead of an international consortium for the construction of Kazakhstan’s first NPP, following “open and constructive” negotiations with top global reactor manufacturers. The shortlist included Rosatom, China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), Électricité de France, and Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power. Kazakhstan plans to build at least three NPPs. Subsequently CNNC was selected to lead the consortia which will build the second and third plants.
The first plant will comprise two Generation III+ VVER-1200 reactors similar to facilities operating and under construction in Russia, Belarus, Turkey, Bangladesh, Egypt, and China. The reactor’s service life is 60 years, with a potential extension of another 20 years.
At the St Petersburg International Economic Forum in June, an Indicative Roadmap for the NPP construction project was approved between Rosatom and KAEA. The document outlines key stages: conducting engineering surveys, preparing design documentation, and signing an EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) contract. A framework agreement was also signed between Kazakh Nuclear Power Plants (KNPP) and Atomstroyexport (Rosatom’s Engineering Division). This outlines key partnership principles for implementing the project.
Specialists from Rosatom’s Engineering Division have started drilling the first exploratory borehole and soil sampling. These studies will assess seismic stability, hydrogeological features, and other parameters of the area. A total of at least 50 boreholes, each between 30 and 120 metres deep, will be drilled during this stage. A final decision on the NPP’s exact location will be made based on the survey results. The surveys ensure the project complies with both international and national standards, minimizes environmental and technological risks, and creates a foundation for efficient design of the plant.
“The launch of engineering surveys in Ulken marks the beginning of the journey toward the first high-capacity NPP in Kazakhstan’s modern history, said Rosatom’s Likhachev. “At this stage, we are focusing on a thorough study of the site to be fully confident in its suitability for a future nuclear plant. Rosatom is ready to apply all its accumulated experience to implement this strategically important project for Kazakhstan’s development.”
Almasadam Satkaliyev, speaking at the launch ceremony, noted: “Today is only the first step, but it determines Kazakhstan’s path toward establishing a new high-tech sector in the national economy. We are confident that the NPP will provide a powerful boost to the region’s development – from the creation of modern infrastructure to new schools, kindergartens, and social facilities. This project is Kazakhstan’s strategic choice and a driver of long-term regional and national economic growth.”
He added: “I would like to point out that the NPP construction project is being implemented with broad public backing – over 70% of citizens supported it in last year’s national referendum. The example of the village of Ulken is particularly indicative: 97% of residents participated, and about 90% voted in favour, giving the project a strong public mandate.”
Satkaliyev stressed that Kazakhstan will remain the sole owner, operator, and producer of uranium fuel, retaining full control over all technological processes. He noted that the total investment in the project is estimated at $14-15bn and an additional $1bn has been allocated for the development of social infrastructure in the surrounding region. He said Kazakhstani enterprises and research institutions would play a central role in the project, with the aim of bolstering domestic industry, creating thousands of jobs, and advancing the country’s nuclear science capabilities to international standards.
The ceremony was also addressed by employees of Russia’s Leningrad NPP, the Akkuyu NPP (Turkey), the Belarus NPP, the Paks-2 NPP (Hungary), and the Rooppur NPP (Bangladesh), where VVER-1200 units are already operating or being built.
Separately it was reported that Samruk-Kazyna (Kazakhstan’s Sovereign Wealth Fund) is working on the complete transfer of KNPP (operator of the future NPPs) into state ownership. Earlier Samruk-Kazyna, on behalf of the head of state, transferred KNPP to trust management of KAEA, which was given the right to change the charter of the KNPP, including changing the size of the authorised capital, location and name of the company.
Samruk-Kazyna, established in 2008 by Presidential Decree, manages a portfolio of major national companies. These include enterprises of the oil and gas and transport logistics sectors, chemical and nuclear industries, mining complexes, energy and real estate industries.
