Kazakhstan approves construction site for country's first NPP
On February 25, the Kazakh government's resolution on approving the construction site for the country's first NPP, adopted in December last year, came into force. The document states that the nuclear power plant will be built in the Zhambyl district of Almaty region.
At the next meeting of the Interdepartmental Commission for the Development of the Nuclear Industry of the Republic of Kazakhstan, proposals from potential suppliers of reactor technology for NPP were considered, Kazakh media reported with reference to the press service of the Ministry of Energy. The commission includes representatives of the republic's government agencies, as well as organizations in the nuclear and energy industries.
Previously, the companies included in the shortlist were sent detailed questions regarding technological solutions, safety systems, financing conditions, and environmental aspects. As Sputnik Kazakhstan notes, the following companies are currently being considered as potential suppliers: CNNC (China), Rosatom (Russia), KHNP (South Korea), and EDF (France). When considering their proposals, the key priorities are the safety, reliability and environmental friendliness of the future NPP. The final decision will be made taking into account all factors and in the interests of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Kazakhstan strives to develop nuclear energy to meet the country's growing needs for electricity. The decision to build a NPP is based on the results of a referendum held on October 6, 2024, which asked citizens of the country to answer the question: "Do you agree with the construction of a nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan?" 71.12% of Kazakhstanis voted for a positive solution to the issue, 26.15% of voters were against the construction of a NPP with a turnout of 63.66%.
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