Kazakh Companies Eager to Join First Nuclear Plant Project

Over 60 companies in Kazakhstan have shown interest in contributing to the country’s inaugural nuclear power plant, according to Sergey Agafonov, head of the Kazakhstan Association of Energy Repair, Design, Engineering Companies, and Energy Equipment Manufacturers.

The plant's construction commenced last week near the village of Ulken, situated on the scenic shores of Lake Balkhash, roughly 400 kilometers from Almaty. Russia’s nuclear energy company, Rosatom, is set to oversee the installation of two reactors, collectively generating 2.4 gigawatts by 2035. This facility is anticipated to significantly alleviate Kazakhstan’s burgeoning electricity requirements.

The project's total cost is projected to be between $14 billion and $15 billion, with an added $1 billion earmarked for enhancing local social infrastructure. In talks with Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, Rosatom’s CEO, Alexei Likhachev, expressed the corporation’s commitment to engaging Kazakh companies in this venture.

The industry association has identified a preliminary list of 66 potential local partners: seven energy equipment manufacturers, 41 producers of building materials, and 18 construction firms. Prominent entities include Tavrida Electric Astana, NERO Group, and Kazakhstan Insulator Plant, alongside Qarmet and Bazis-A Corp.

Agafonov pointed out that this project could significantly boost the local industry, drawing comparisons to Turkey’s Akkuyu nuclear facility, which heavily involved local enterprises.

Previously, it was reported that Kazakhstan has plans for at least three nuclear power plants. The Chinese National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) has been authorized to develop the second and third sites, further expanding the country's nuclear capabilities.