Kazakhstani leader Tokayev suggests a national competition to christen the country's inaugural nuclear power plant.
In an exciting development, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan has announced a nationwide competition to name the country's first nuclear power plant. The competition, open to all citizens, invites creativity and innovation, reflecting the symbolic significance of the plant as a beacon of scientific and technological progress.
The nuclear power plant, currently without a name, is being built in cooperation with Russia’s Rosatom and will feature two Generation III+ VVER-1200 reactors. Construction began officially on August 8, 2025, near the village of Ulken in the Almaty region. As the first NPP in Kazakhstan, it carries historic and strategic importance, justifying the launch of the naming competition to involve the public in this milestone.
Tokayev emphasized that the plant is more than just an energy facility; it represents the nation's commitment to innovation and progress. The competition encourages creative proposals from all citizens, with the hope that the chosen name will reflect Kazakhstan’s dedication to these values.
Meanwhile, Kazakhstan's academic achievements continue to shine. The country has won nearly 200 gold, more than 300 silver, and approximately 500 bronze medals in international academic competitions since last year. This year, students earned four gold, 11 silver, and nine bronze medals, demonstrating their high intellectual potential.
In recognition of their achievements, Tokayev presented gold medalists with certificates for 1,500 monthly calculation indices (MCIs), silver medalists with 1,000 MCIs, and bronze medalists with 500 MCIs. The President also announced that winners of international olympiads will be eligible for the Bolashak international scholarship program, starting next year.
Tokayev expressed gratitude towards teachers and parents for raising a generation with such high intellectual potential. He emphasized that through innovation and advanced technology, Kazakhstan is laying a strong foundation for the nation's development for decades to come.
The President also mentioned the Keleshek mektepteri (Schools of the future) as an initiative to support young talent in Kazakhstan. This focus on nurturing creative, knowledgeable, and dedicated youth is a testament to the government's commitment to building a skilled workforce for the future, particularly in fields such as artificial intelligence, where specialists will be in high demand.
As the nuclear power plant construction marks a historic milestone in Kazakhstan's energy and innovation sectors, the nationwide competition to name it promises to be an exciting and engaging event for all citizens. The chosen name is expected to reflect the country's commitment to innovation, progress, and its bright future.
The nuclear power plant, a symbol of Kazakhstan's dedication to innovation and progress, is currently being named through a nationwide competition. As the first of its kind in Kazakhstan, this plant represents not just an energy facility, but also the nation's commitment to scientific and technological advancements, much like the achievements in international academic competitions that have earned numerous medals for the country's students.
