First NPP in Kazakhstan: Prime Minister gave instructions

Tengrinews.kz – Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov held a meeting on the development of nuclear energy, citing the government’s press service.
During the meeting, current steps were discussed regarding the implementation of the President’s directives given at the expanded government session, which focus on the development of the energy sector and the creation of a nuclear cluster in the country.

Photo by the government press service
As part of this task, a forecasted electricity balance for 2025-2031 was presented. Given the steady growth in electricity consumption, it is expected that the capacity of new power plants will reach 26.5 GW by 2035, including the modernization of existing facilities with the involvement of private investment.
Minister of Energy Almasadam Satkaliyev reported on negotiations with potential suppliers for the construction of Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant.
Olzhas Bektenov emphasized that when constructing the nuclear power plant, it is crucial to ensure maximum economic benefit for the country, with particular attention to the localization of production and technology transfer when selecting contractors.
Additionally, the meeting addressed the prospects for the development of nuclear science and educational programs to train specialists for the nuclear industry. Discussions were held with the participation of experts such as Timur Zhantikin, the head of "Kazakhstan Nuclear Power Stations," Erlan Batyrbekov, the director of the National Nuclear Center of Kazakhstan, and Sayabek Sahiyev, the director of the Institute of Nuclear Physics.
It is worth recalling that earlier, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev instructed the government to collaborate with "Samruk-Kazyna" to develop long-term plans for the development of the nuclear industry, stressing the need for a clear vision and comprehensive analysis in choosing the most suitable locations for future nuclear power plants and ensuring the use of modern and safe technologies. The President also noted that he expects proposals from the government and Parliament regarding the location for the construction of the second nuclear power plant.