China and Kazakhstan Discuss Building a Nuclear Power Plant
In a significant move towards expanding its nuclear energy sector, Kazakhstan has confirmed China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) as the lead builder for its second and third nuclear power plants. The announcement was made by First Deputy Prime Minister Roman Sklyar in mid-2025.
The decision to entrust CNNC with the construction of both the second and third plants comes after the successful collaboration between the two nations on the country's second nuclear power plant. CNNC will work alongside Kazakhstan in this endeavour, with the government currently evaluating potential sites for the second and third plants. Key criteria for the site selection include access to a permanent water source and existing electricity infrastructure.
Initially, several global reactor manufacturers were under consideration for Kazakhstan's nuclear expansion projects. These included Rosatom (Russia), CNNC (China), KHNP (South Korea), and EDF (France). While Rosatom secured the contract for the first plant, CNNC emerged as the preferred choice for the subsequent projects, reflecting Kazakhstan's strategic positioning and a diversification of international partners.
Russia's Rosatom has already commenced work on the country's first nuclear power plant, which is planned near the village of Ulken, close to Lake Balkhash in the Zhambyl Region. The construction of the second and third plants by CNNC is currently in the feasibility study, site selection, and design phases. The exact locations and final agreements are expected to be announced later in 2025.
Negotiations with CNNC cover both large-scale nuclear reactors and small modular reactors (SMRs), indicating Kazakhstan's interest in diversifying reactor technology for energy security. However, the overall cost details for the second and third plants have not been disclosed yet, and the projects remain pending parliamentary approval once finalized agreements and intergovernmental cooperation details are settled.
The Kazakh Atomic Energy Agency has announced negotiations for the construction of the third nuclear power plant, but no specific suppliers have been named as of yet. The agency is currently working on sites for proposed nuclear power plants, with the aim to ensure the safety, sustainability, and economic viability of these projects.
The negotiations between Kazakh officials and global reactor manufacturers have been described as open and constructive. The Kazakh government is committed to strengthening its energy security and reducing its carbon footprint, making nuclear power an attractive option for the country's future energy mix.
Politics surrounding Kazakhstan's policy-and-legislation for nuclear energy expansion continue to evolve, as the country evaluates potential sites for the second and third nuclear power plants. The ongoing negotiations with China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) for the construction of these plants are a crucial aspect of general-news and international relations, with the final agreements and intergovernmental cooperation details pending parliamentary approval.
