Kazakhstan plans to establish a Nuclear Energy Agency, as announced by President Tokayev during the National Kurultai (annual assembly) on March 14.
“Given the special significance of this issue, I have decided to establish the Agency for Nuclear Energy under the President. We must maximize the potential of gas and coal-fired generation, as well as renewable energy sources,” Tokayev mentioned.
Tokayev also recognized the need for a holistic, long-term strategy for the development of Kazakhstan’s energy sector. He ordered to complete the analysis of possible locations in the country to build three nuclear power plants.
“By approving the construction of the first nuclear power plant in a referendum, citizens have given the green light to this initiative. However, it is crucial not only to meet current energy demands but also to lay the foundation for future economic growth. That is why I believe it is necessary to construct not one, but three nuclear power plants to establish a full-fledged nuclear cluster,” he said.
A referendum was held in Kazakhstan on October 6, 2024 to decide whether to move forward with the construction of its first nuclear power plant. According to the Central Election Commission of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the number of citizens who voted in favor of the construction was more than 5.5mn people, representing 71.12% of the voters. The construction is said to require the cost of up to $12bn, with the government relying on contractors to obtain financing.
By January 2025, the government published a list of possible technology suppliers, including Russia’s Rosatom, South Korea’s KHNP, China’s CNNC, and France’s EDF. The finalized construction layout is expected to be disclosed between April and June.
According to the World Nuclear Association, Kazakhstan has 12% of the world’s uranium resources, making the country one of the world’s leading uranium producers and exporters. The country has the strong potential to build more nuclear power plants, but it has been lacking adequate investment and technology so far.
