Wedoany.com Report-Aug. 8, Construction of Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant has officially begun near Ulken village, close to Almaty. The groundbreaking event was attended by Almassadam Satkaliyev, head of Kazakhstan’s Atomic Energy Agency, Alexey Likhachev, General Director of Rosatom State Corporation, and other officials, marking a significant step toward expanding the nation’s energy infrastructure.

Almassadam Satkaliyev highlighted the importance of the occasion, stating: “The total investment in the project will be around $14–15 billion.” He emphasized that the current phase involves engineering and survey work, critical for determining the plant’s location, design, safety measures, reliability, and economic viability. An additional $1 billion will support the development of social facilities and modern infrastructure to benefit the local community.

The project enjoys strong public support, as demonstrated by a nationwide referendum held on October 6, 2024. The vote saw a 63.66% participation rate, with 71.12% of voters approving the nuclear power initiative. In Ulken village, participation reached 97%, with approximately 90% voting in favor, reflecting robust community backing for the project.

Specialized equipment is already in place at the site, and a model of the Novovoronezh Nuclear Power Plant’s Unit 6, the world’s first Generation 3+ power unit, has been installed. According to the Kazakhstan Atomic Energy Agency, this model will serve as a blueprint for the new facility, ensuring advanced technology and safety standards. The plant is expected to be operational between 2035 and 2036.

The initiative aligns with Kazakhstan’s goals to enhance energy security and sustainability. By leveraging Rosatom’s expertise and local support, the project aims to deliver a reliable and efficient energy source while fostering regional development through infrastructure investments. The nuclear power plant represents a forward-looking effort to meet growing energy demands with modern, safe technology.