During a recent government meeting led by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, Timur Zhantikin, General Director of Kazakhstan Nuclear Power Plants, provided an update on the progress of Kazakhstan's nuclear power plant (NPP) project. The project, which has been under consideration since the 1990s, has gained renewed urgency due to energy shortages and the country's commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2026.
Zhintikin highlighted the global reputation of nuclear power plants as some of the safest and most reliable energy sources available.
"Nuclear power plants are among the safest and most reliable energy sources in the world," he stated, emphasizing their importance amid the high wear and tear of existing energy capacities.
The research has identified the need for a nuclear power plant with a capacity of up to 2.8 GW, to be located in Ulken, Almaty region. The selected technology includes advanced water-cooled reactors of generations III and III+, known for their robust safety systems and low probability of emergency situations. These reactors feature multiple backup systems and deeply echeloned emergency protections to ensure safety.
Zhintikin also noted that nuclear energy is more environmentally friendly than many renewable sources and is included in green taxonomy in several developed countries.
"The development of nuclear energy contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with global environmental trends," he added.
Out of 13 proposals from six international companies—Russia, China, South Korea, France, and the USA—four potential suppliers have been shortlisted. These include China's CNNC with the HPR1000 reactor, Korea's KHNP with the APR1000 and APR1400 reactors, Russia's Rosatom with the VVER-1200, and France's EDF with the EPR1200 technology. The selection process also involved forming an idea of the project's cost, construction timeline, and financing methods.
If the referendum results in a positive decision, the next steps will involve selecting a specific supplier and developing a detailed feasibility study.
"The future of Kazakhstan is inextricably linked with nuclear energy," Zhintikin concluded, reflecting the nation's commitment to integrating nuclear power into its energy strategy.
Kazakhstan's nuclear power ambitions extend beyond a single project, aiming to incorporate nuclear energy more broadly into the national energy sector. This strategy supports Kazakhstan's efforts to diversify away from traditional fossil fuels like coal and gas, which are increasingly challenged by global usage limitations and environmental issues.
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