Kazakhstan’s first nuclear plant to use Rosatom’s VVER-1200 reactorsRussia’s state nuclear corporation Rosatom plans to use its advanced VVER-1200 generation "3+" reactors for Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant, CEO Alexey Likhachev announced following Rosatom’s selection to lead the project consortium."We welcome Kazakhstan’s decision to proceed with this nuclear power plant project, which will utilize the world’s most advanced and efficient technology—Russia’s VVER-1200 reactors," Likhachev said in a statement. "VVER-1200 generation "3+" reactors combine decades of operational experience with cutting-edge active and passive safety systems, fully compliant with international standards."The VVER-1200 design is already operational in four Russian nuclear plants and two in Belarus, with additional projects underway in Hungary, Egypt, Turkey, Bangladesh, and China. Likhachev emphasized Rosatom’s approach of collaborating with international suppliers to tailor solutions to each country’s needs.Kazakhstan’s Atomic Energy Agency confirmed Rosatom’s consortium leadership on Saturday, noting discussions on securing Russian state-backed export financing. The corporation outcompeted China National Nuclear Corporation (ranked second) and France’s Électricité de France and South Korea’s Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (joint third) in the vendor selection process.An intergovernmental commission is finalizing agreements for the plant, with contracts expected by November 2025. Approved in a 2024 national referendum, the $10–12 billion project was initially slated for completion by 2035, but Kazakhstan’s Energy Ministry has since pushed vendors to deliver the first reactor within eight years.The Zhambyl district in Almaty Region was designated as the plant site in December 2024. Kazakhstan is evaluating high-capacity reactor technologies from France, China, Russia, and South Korea, with each unit costing an estimated $5 billion. (ICE ALMATY)

Fonte notizia: INTERFAX