Name of Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant proposed to be sold

Tengrinews.kz – An unusual proposal for naming the future nuclear power plant is being discussed in Kazakhstan. Social media users are speculating on whether it would be possible to temporarily sell the naming rights to well-known brands.
In early August, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev suggested holding a competition to choose a name for the future NPP in Kazakhstan.

“This facility does not yet have a name. Since it will be the first in our country, I believe we can announce a nationwide contest for the best name. I ask you to participate and show creativity — perhaps one of your proposals will be used when we make the decision,” said the President of Kazakhstan.

A blogger under the nickname “Your Professional Marketer” shared the idea on his Telegram channel of selling the naming rights of the nuclear power plant for a fixed term to an interested company. According to him, such an approach could generate additional revenue for the state budget.

“I would sell the name of the NPP under construction, for example, for 10 years, to any interested company — Siemens, ABB, or Samsung. The money would go toward repaying the loan. After the term expires, the name could be sold again, or, if no buyer is found, it could be given another name. Just like ‘beautiful’ car license plates bring revenue to the budget, so could the NPP,” he wrote.

Tengrinews.kz reached out to the Atomic Energy Agency for comment. The agency’s press service called the idea “creative from a marketing perspective,” but considered it unsuitable for an object of strategic importance.

“The proposal is indeed creative in terms of marketing. However, a nuclear power plant is a strategic facility for Kazakhstan. Its name should reflect historical, cultural, and national values, as well as symbolize trust and unity for the citizens of the country,” the agency’s press service stated.

They emphasized that, unlike commercial projects, nuclear energy cannot be treated as a brand for sale or temporary rotation.

“That is why the naming contest is being held in a nationwide format — so that the chosen name becomes a common symbol for the entire people of Kazakhstan,” the agency added.

According to the agency, work has now begun together with state authorities on the algorithm for conducting the competition to select a name for the NPP.