Russia sign pact to construct nuclear power plant in uranium rich Kazakhstan

Russia and its close partner in Central Asia Kazakhstan have reached an agreement and signed documents for the construction of a nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan.

The agreement was signed by Alexey Likhachev, director general of the Russian atomic energy corporation Rosatom, and Almasadam Satkaliyev, chairman of Kazakhstan’s Atomic Energy Agency, at the recently held St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.

During the meeting the Indicative Road Map was approved, envisaging the stages of project preparation and implementation, including surveying, conclusion of an EPC contract and development of project documentation.

In addition, Kazakhstan Nuclear Power Plants LLP (KNPP LLP) and Atomstroyexport JSC (Engineering Division of Rosatom) signed a framework agreement that defines the key principles of cooperation in implementing the project in Jambyl district of Almaty region.

The project is implemented within the framework of interstate cooperation in the peaceful use of atomic energy and is aimed at achieving the strategic objectives to ensure energy security and decarbonization of Kazakhstan’s economy. The parties emphasize the importance of setting about implementing the project, which is of a strategic nature for Kazakhstan, as soon as possible.

“We appreciate the trust the Kazakhstani party has placed in us to lead the international consortium that will build a nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan. This country has been our reliable historical partner in the nuclear industry. We are convinced that Russian nuclear technologies, which have proven their reliability, safety and efficiency, will serve the people of Kazakhstan, strengthening its energy sovereignty,” said Alexey Likhachev.

Kazakhstan had earlier selected Rosatom as the leader of an international consortium tasked with building a large-capacity nuclear power plant in the country.