Kazakhstan Chooses Four International Nuclear Companies for Nuclear Power Plant Construction
Kazakhstan Announces Shortlist for Future Nuclear Power Plant Construction
In a significant move towards modernizing its energy sector, Kazakhstan has announced the selection of four leading companies in the nuclear energy sector as potential partners for its future nuclear power plant (NPP) projects. The shortlisted companies are China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power Co. (KHNP), Russia's Rosatom, and Électricité de France (EDF).
The decision was influenced by several key factors, including the companies' technical expertise and proven track records, strategic partnerships and integration capabilities, site selection criteria and infrastructure considerations, economic and developmental considerations, and government-level cooperation and agreements.
Rosatom, for instance, offers Generation III+ VVER-1200 reactors, a design that combines advanced safety and fuel efficiency with international safety standards. These reactors are operational in Russia and abroad, demonstrating reliability and experience in large-scale projects. Similarly, CNNC and KHNP bring strong experience in both large reactors and innovative small modular reactors (SMRs), aligning with Kazakhstan’s goal to diversify its energy portfolio.
Rosatom has already begun detailed engineering surveys and soil sampling to ensure the suitability and safety of the location for the first NPP. The projects are seen as critical to addressing electricity shortages, reducing energy import dependence, ensuring stable supply, and boosting regional investment and employment.
The modernization initiative aims to improve energy conservation, address aging infrastructure, rising demand, and tariff imbalances. It also seeks to adapt to emerging challenges like the rise of electric vehicles. The modernization effort will overhaul 80,000 kilometers of networks and gradually shift to market-based pricing.
Sergey Agafonov, the chairman of the Kazakhstan Association of Energy Supply Organizations, shared insights into why these companies were chosen. He emphasized the importance of negotiating the best possible price for Kazakhstan with future vendors and stated that the reactors under consideration have two water cooling circuits and are the safest reactors.
The companies have a strong presence in countries such as the Czech Republic, Egypt, Hungary, India, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates. They have also established collaborations with countries that have nuclear power plants.
The final decision on choosing a supplier or consortium for constructing a nuclear power plant will be made soon, considering national interests, international norms and obligations, and IAEA recommendations. The modernization initiative, which involves an investment of 13.5 trillion tenge (US$25.5 billion) into Kazakhstan's energy and utility sectors by 2029, is a significant step towards securing Kazakhstan's long-term energy security and economic development.
In the process of choosing a supplier or consortium for constructing a nuclear power plant, Kazakhstan is considering companies with strong expertise not only in nuclear energy but also in finance, technology, and energy sectors. For instance, China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) and Rosatom showcase exceptional experience in large reactors as well as innovative small modular reactors (SMRs), aligning with Kazakhstan’s goal to diversify its energy portfolio. Additionally, the modernization effort in Kazakhstan's energy sector involves substantial investments in technology, aiming to adapt to emerging challenges like the rise of electric vehicles and overhaul 80,000 kilometers of networks.
