Kazakhstan to become sole owner of first nuclear plant after construction, minimal dependence risks from Russia – Atomic Agency headKazakhstan will be the owner, operator, and supplier of uranium fuel while maintaining full control over all technological processes at its future nuclear power plant, said Almasadam Satkaliyev, chairman of the Republic’s Atomic Energy Agency."Kazakhstan will be the owner, operator, and supplier of uranium fuel, as well as the holder of all technological processes at the future nuclear power plant. One of the key conditions in the vendor selection process was ensuring independent and efficient plant operation through Kazakh specialists," Satkaliyev stated in an agency release.He added that the plan includes establishing a personnel training system, an industrial-technical base, and maximizing localization at all construction stages."We understand this involves large-scale investments in Kazakhstan’s economy. I can state with full confidence that the risks of dependence on Russia in nuclear technology matters are minimal—practically nonexistent. All of this is stipulated in the contract," he emphasized."The cooperation formula is simple: 'Come, build, train—and leave.' Meanwhile, Kazakhstan will establish its own production of fuel assemblies. The country has its own uranium reserves and already produces fuel pellets. Additionally, Kazakhstan holds licenses from Canadian companies for uranium conversion and collaborates with Russian and Chinese partners," the agency head said.He further noted that the project’s implementation would create a comprehensive nuclear cluster in the country, self-sufficient across all stages—from raw material extraction to fuel production.Earlier on Saturday, Kazakhstan’s Atomic Energy Agency announced that Rosatom had been selected as the lead consortium partner for the construction of the country’s first nuclear power plant, with discussions underway on securing Russian state export financing. Rosatom outcompeted China National Nuclear Corporation (second place), as well as France’s Electricite de France and South Korea’s Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (both tied for third) in the vendor selection process.Reports also indicated that China could build a second nuclear plant in Kazakhstan, as it has the highest readiness level for construction.The intergovernmental agreements and contracts necessary for the first plant’s construction were expected to be finalized by November 2025.In 2024, Kazakh citizens approved the plant’s construction in a nationwide referendum. Initial plans targeted completion by 2035, but the Energy Ministry later stated that Kazakhstan would require vendors to commission the first reactor within a shorter timeframe—eight years.Construction costs are estimated at $10–12 billion, with a single reactor unit averaging $5 billion, according to the Energy Ministry.In December 2024, the government approved the plant’s location in the Zhambyl district of the Almaty region.The city of Kurchatov in the Abai region was considered a potential site for a second nuclear plant, though no final decision has been made. (ICE ALMATY)

Fonte notizia: INTERFAX