Kazakhstan Begins Construction of First Nuclear Power Plant
Kazakhstan has kicked off the construction of its first nuclear power plant, a significant step towards its goal of creating an 'atomic cluster' by 2050. The plant, estimated to cost around 15 billion US dollars, is a milestone for the country's energy policy and a statement on the global stage.
The symbolic start of construction took place on August 8, 2025, following a nationwide referendum in October 2024 where 71% of voters backed the move to nuclear power. The plant will be equipped with two VVER-1200 reactors of Generation 3+, and its operation will be entirely managed by Kazakhstan, including uranium fuel production and processing.
Rosatom, the Russian state nuclear energy corporation, was selected as the main contractor in June 2025 after an international tender. The company will work alongside Kazakhstan's nuclear industry to build and operate the plant. Meanwhile, China is set to construct a second nuclear power plant in the country, parallel to the Kazakh plant. The international partner company considered for the second plant alongside Rosatom is Westinghouse Electric Company.
Supporters of the project argue that nuclear power is a climate-friendly alternative to fossil fuels, as it emits almost no carbon dioxide during operation. With this plant, Kazakhstan takes a significant step towards its ambitious goal of developing a comprehensive nuclear energy system by 2050.
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