Kazakhstan Pushes Forward with Plans for First Nuclear Power Plant

Kazakhstan, the world’s largest uranium producer, is moving forward with its plans to build its first nuclear power plant (NPP) as the country tackles chronic energy shortages.

A delegation led by Kazakh Energy Minister Almassadam Satkaliyev visited France from December 4-6 to explore opportunities with French officials and industry leaders.

During the visit, the Kazakh delegation held talks with France's energy and trade ministries and met with top players in the nuclear sector. Among them were EDF, Framatome, and Arabelle Solutions, which specialize in NPP operations, equipment design, and turbine manufacturing, respectively. Additionally, the delegation collaborated with Assystem, a company known for its engineering and digital solutions for complex infrastructure projects, including NPPs.

Kazakh officials also toured the Crisis Centre of the Institute for Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety (IRSN) and a plant assembling nuclear equipment.

“The French side has shown its readiness to support Kazakhstan in the implementation of the nuclear power plant construction project,” read a statement from the Kazakh Energy Ministry.

EDF is among four companies being considered to supply the technology for the nuclear power plant. Kazakhstan has begun formal negotiations with the shortlisted candidates, with a final decision expected in 2025. The plant is projected to cost $10-15 billion, and its construction site is likely to be near Lake Balkhash in the Almaty region.

The official visit to France follows a nationwide referendum held on October 6, where over 70 percent of voters approved the nuclear power plant project.

France, one of the global leaders in nuclear energy, derives about 70% of its electricity from nuclear power. The visit was part of Kazakhstan’s ongoing discussions with shortlisted candidates for the NPP project, which include France’s Électricité de France (EDF), Russia’s Rosatom, South Korea’s Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP), and China’s CNNC.

Kazakhstan, the world’s largest uranium producer, holds approximately 12 percent of the globe’s recoverable uranium resources. Although the country has not used its uranium for electricity generation for decades, it previously operated a facility from 1973 to 1999 for power generation and desalination. This facility was closed following Kazakhstan’s commitment to the global non-proliferation regime. Given its significant uranium resources and commitment to cleaner energy, Kazakhstan is well-positioned to advance its nuclear energy ambitions.