Kazakhstan begins work on first nuclear power plant

Kazakhstan has officially launched initial work on the construction of its first nuclear power plant, a major strategic project estimated to cost between $14 and $15 billion.

An additional $1 billion has been allocated for the development of social infrastructure and public facilities linked to the plant.

The announcement was made by Almasadam Satkaliev, Chairman of the Kazakh Atomic Energy Agency, during a ceremony marking the beginning of construction-related activities in the village of Ulken, located in the Zhambyl district of the Almaty region. His remarks were circulated by the Agency's press service.

Satkaliev emphasised that the nuclear power plant represents a key pillar of Kazakhstan’s long-term industrial, nuclear, and economic strategy. “This is a strategic project that will become a driver of the nuclear industry, technological innovation, and sustained economic growth,” he said.

On August 8, initial engineering work began in Ulken, including geological surveys and preparations for project documentation, with the goal of determining the optimal location and laying the groundwork for a high-capacity plant. The ceremony was attended by Satkaliev and Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev.

The plant will feature state-of-the-art VVER-1200 reactors—Generation III+ pressurised water reactors with a power capacity of 1,200 megawatts.

In February 2025, Kazakhstan officially designated the site for the project by government decree, signed by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektanov. The selected location, Ulken village, had previously been identified as a potential site. 

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev had earlier instructed the government and the Samruk-Kazyna Sovereign Wealth Fund to devise long-term strategies for the development of the nuclear sector. He stressed the importance of a clear national vision and rigorous analysis to identify suitable sites and adopt modern, safe nuclear technologies.

Tokayev also said he expects proposals from the government and parliament regarding the location of a second nuclear plant. Energy Minister Satkaliev has indicated that the second plant could potentially be built simultaneously with the first.

In a recent statement, Deputy Prime Minister Roman Sklyar revealed that China is set to take part in building Kazakhstan’s second and third nuclear power plants.

By Tamilla Hasanova