Rosatom has announced preliminary work on Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power project (NPP) in the Zhambyl district of the country’s Almaty region.
The work includes conducting engineering surveys to identify the most suitable site and preparing design documentation for the future high-capacity NPP.
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Initiating engineering surveys is a crucial step in establishing the safety, reliability and economic viability of the project.
At least 50 boreholes between 30 and 120 metres deep will be drilled to evaluate the seismic stability, hydrogeological characteristics and other critical parameters of the site, which are vital for ensuring the safety and reliability of the future NPP.
Rosatom specialists have commenced drilling the first exploratory borehole at Ulken village in the Zhambyl district and conducted soil sampling.
The data collected will guide the final decision on the plant’s location, ensuring that the project adheres to both international and national standards, minimising environmental and technological risks.
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By GlobalDataIt also lays the groundwork for the effective design of the future NPP.
Rosatom director general Alexey Likhachev stated: “The launch of engineering surveys in Ulken marks the beginning of the journey toward the first high-capacity nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan’s modern history.
“At this stage, we are focusing on a thorough study of the site to be fully confident in its suitability for a future nuclear plant. Rosatom is ready to apply all its accumulated experience to implement this strategically important project for Kazakhstan’s development.”
In June 2025, Kazakhstan chose Rosatom and the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) to head two different international consortia tasked with developing the country’s inaugural nuclear power plants.
The initiative aligns with Kazakhstan’s strategy to reach a nuclear energy capacity of 2.4GW by 2035.
An indicative roadmap was ratified at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, held from 18 to 21 June 2025 between Rosatom and the Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan for Atomic Energy for the construction of the NPP.
The roadmap delineates crucial phases of cooperation, such as engineering surveys, design documentation preparation and signing an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract.
The upcoming plant will utilise advanced VVER-1200 reactors. These Generation III+ pressurised water reactors have an electric capacity of 1200MW.
This technology adheres to the highest international safety standards and is already in successful operation or under construction in Bangladesh, Belarus, China, Egypt, Russia and Turkey.
The reactors have a designed lifespan of 60 years, with the possibility of extending their operation by a further 20.
The Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan for Atomic Energy chairman Almasadam Satkaliyev stated: “Today is only the first step, but it determines Kazakhstan’s path toward establishing a new high-tech sector in the national economy.
“We are confident that the nuclear power plant will provide a powerful boost to the region’s development – from the creation of modern infrastructure to new schools, kindergartens and social facilities. This project is Kazakhstan’s strategic choice and a driver of long-term regional and national economic growth.”
