Aug 11, 2025
Site inspections have commenced for Kazakhstan's inaugural nuclear power plant.
A ceremony took place near Ulken village in Kazakhstan's Almaty region to initiate engineering surveys for the establishment of a large nuclear power plant. These surveys will identify the best site and prepare design documentation for the plant.
Attendees included Alexey Likhachev, Director General of Russia's State Corporation Rosatom; Almasadam Satkaliyev, Chairman of Kazakhstan's Atomic Energy Agency; and Marat Sultangaziyev, Akim of Almaty Region.
During the event, Rosatom's Engineering Division began drilling the first exploratory borehole and conducting soil sampling. These assessments will evaluate seismic stability, hydrogeological characteristics, and other crucial factors for the plant's safety and reliability. At least 50 boreholes, each between 30 and 120 meters deep, will be drilled in this phase, with the final site decision based on the survey results.
According to Rosatom, the surveys will ensure compliance with international and national standards, minimize environmental and technological risks, and provide a solid foundation for effective future plant design.
Asset Makhkambetov, deputy chairman of the Kazakh Atomic Energy Agency, stated that the engineering surveys are expected to last 18 months and will include studies at three potential sites.
Likhachev remarked that starting the engineering surveys in Ulken signals the beginning of Kazakhstan's journey toward its first high-capacity nuclear power plant. He emphasized the importance of thoroughly studying the site to confirm its suitability for the plant and Rosatom's readiness to leverage its experience for this significant project.
Satkaliyev highlighted that this initial step paves the way for developing a new high-tech sector in Kazakhstan's economy, projecting the nuclear power plant as a catalyst for regional growth, including infrastructure improvements and social facilities.
In June, Rosatom was appointed as the leader of an international consortium for Kazakhstan's first planned nuclear power plant, while China is set to construct a second. The Atomic Energy Agency previously engaged with leading manufacturers, narrowing down potential suppliers, including Rosatom, China National Nuclear Corporation, France's EDF, and Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power.
On July 31, First Deputy Prime Minister Roman Sklyar announced that CNNC would build Kazakhstan's second and third nuclear power plants, with locations to be revealed later this year.
Attendees included Alexey Likhachev, Director General of Russia's State Corporation Rosatom; Almasadam Satkaliyev, Chairman of Kazakhstan's Atomic Energy Agency; and Marat Sultangaziyev, Akim of Almaty Region.
During the event, Rosatom's Engineering Division began drilling the first exploratory borehole and conducting soil sampling. These assessments will evaluate seismic stability, hydrogeological characteristics, and other crucial factors for the plant's safety and reliability. At least 50 boreholes, each between 30 and 120 meters deep, will be drilled in this phase, with the final site decision based on the survey results.
According to Rosatom, the surveys will ensure compliance with international and national standards, minimize environmental and technological risks, and provide a solid foundation for effective future plant design.
Asset Makhkambetov, deputy chairman of the Kazakh Atomic Energy Agency, stated that the engineering surveys are expected to last 18 months and will include studies at three potential sites.
Likhachev remarked that starting the engineering surveys in Ulken signals the beginning of Kazakhstan's journey toward its first high-capacity nuclear power plant. He emphasized the importance of thoroughly studying the site to confirm its suitability for the plant and Rosatom's readiness to leverage its experience for this significant project.
Satkaliyev highlighted that this initial step paves the way for developing a new high-tech sector in Kazakhstan's economy, projecting the nuclear power plant as a catalyst for regional growth, including infrastructure improvements and social facilities.
In June, Rosatom was appointed as the leader of an international consortium for Kazakhstan's first planned nuclear power plant, while China is set to construct a second. The Atomic Energy Agency previously engaged with leading manufacturers, narrowing down potential suppliers, including Rosatom, China National Nuclear Corporation, France's EDF, and Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power.
On July 31, First Deputy Prime Minister Roman Sklyar announced that CNNC would build Kazakhstan's second and third nuclear power plants, with locations to be revealed later this year.