Kazakhstan will become the sole owner of its first nuclear power plant

Tengrinews.kz – Kazakhstan will become the sole owner of its first nuclear power plant, announced Almasadam Satkaliyev, Chairman of the Atomic Energy Agency.
According to the head of the Agency, Kazakhstan will not only own but also operate the nuclear power plant, in addition to being the producer of uranium raw materials and holder of all technological processes of the plant.
Satkaliyev stated that one of the key requirements in the competitive selection was to ensure the independent and efficient operation of the plant by relying on Kazakhstani specialists. To this end, a system for personnel training, an industrial-technical base, and maximum localization of all construction stages are planned.

“We understand that this involves large-scale investments in Kazakhstan’s economy. And I can say with full responsibility: the risks of dependency on Russia in matters of nuclear technology are minimal — virtually nonexistent. All of this is secured in the contract,” he noted.

Satkaliyev also explained that the formula for cooperation with foreign partners is simple: “They come, build, train — and leave.” Meanwhile, Kazakhstan will establish its own production of fuel assemblies.
Kazakhstan possesses its own uranium reserves and already produces fuel pellets. Additionally, the country holds licenses from Canadian companies for uranium conversion and cooperates with Russian and Chinese partners.
The project, according to the head of the Agency, will allow the formation of a full-fledged nuclear cluster - self-sufficient at every stage, from raw material extraction to the production of ready fuel.

“This aligns with the mandate of the Head of State and is a key task in the construction of nuclear power plants and the development of the uranium industry,” he concluded.

Earlier, Chairman Almasadam Satkaliyev also announced that China’s CNNC would lead the consortium for the construction of another nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan.