Kazakhstan Completes Nuclear Plant Technology Review, Shortlists Four Companies

A Kazakh delegation led by Energy Minister Satkaliyev visited Russia on January 21, the Ministry reports, noting that "Kazakhstan has completed a series of visits as part of selecting technologies for nuclear power plant construction."

The main purpose of the visit was to study the operational experience of nuclear power plants and examine generation 3+ power unit technologies with VVER-1200 reactors. The delegation visited the Leningrad Nuclear Power Plant, where key technical aspects were presented, including the control room unit, turbine department, laboratory complex, and power unit cooling systems, the Ministry explained.

The Ministry notes that "the VVER-1200 reactor is Rosatom's flagship project."

The visit to Russia was the final stage of competitive dialogue with potential technology suppliers for nuclear power plant construction in Kazakhstan. Earlier, Kazakhstan representatives visited South Korea, France, and China.

The shortlist of potential contractors includes:

• Russia's Rosatom
• China's CNNC
• Korea's KHNP
• France's EDF

The visit to the Leningrad Nuclear Power Plant allowed us to study in detail the technologies and safety measures ensuring environmental protection and local residents' wellbeing,  Minister Almasadam Satkaliyev added.

The Ministry emphasizes that the final selection will be made this year "considering national interests, international standards, and IAEA recommendations."

Earlier this month, President Toqayev urged the government to accelerate the nuclear plant construction process.

In November, Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov and Rosatom Director Alexey Likhachev discussed cooperation in nuclear energy and quantum technologies.

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