Kazakhstan begins construction of its first nuclear power plant

• 11 hours ago (2025-08-11)
• David Flin

Asia 955 Nuclear 694

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Kazakhstan has officially launched construction of its first nuclear power plant. The ceremony was held in the Almaty region and included the symbolic laying of a capsule and the start of engineering surveys.

Over the course of the surveys, at least 50 wells will be drilled at depths ranging from 30 to 120 metres. The collected data will help determine the plant’s final location.

Asset Makhambetov, Deputy Chairman of Kazakhstan’s Atomic Energy Agency, said: “Engineering services take about 18 months, consisting of 12 months of year-round surveys plus data analysis.”

The investment is estimated at €13-14 billion, with an additional €1 billion earmarked for social initiatives.

Three potential sites in the Zhambyl district of Almaty region are being studied. The surveys will examine geological, seismic, hydrological, and climatic conditions, including seasonal groundwater changes and potential flood risks.

The plant will consist of two VVER-1200 reactors from Rosatom. Rosatom claimed that construction would take 10-11 years from survey completion, with operation scheduled for 2035-36.