Government Approves Zhambyl District Site
The government of Kazakhstan gave the go-ahead for the Zhambyl district in the Almaty region to be built. There was an official resolution on January 26, 2026, that made the decision official. The resolution went into effect right away after it was signed.
The new plant will be next to the first nuclear site that was approved. The village of Ulken is close to both places. The area is right on the shore of Lake Balkhash.
Source: Caspian News/Website
Rosatom Consortium Is the First Plant to Lead
In June, Rosatom was chosen to be in charge of the first nuclear project. Rosatom is in charge of an international group that is building the facility. The VVER-1200 design is one of the types of reactor technology.
Kazakhstan looked at bids from a number of nuclear suppliers around the world. Companies that made the cut were CNNC, EDF, and Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power. Authorities looked at the safety of the reactor, how it would be paid for, and how well it would work in the long run.
CNNC Will Build More Reactors
The second and third plants will be built by China National Nuclear Corporation. China National Nuclear Corporation was previously named as a top partner. The company sells its HPR-1000 reactor technology.
Roman Sklyar, the Deputy Prime Minister, made the choice public. The announcement showed how Kazakhstan works with many different countries around the world. Partnerships are a way to balance political and economic concerns.
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Uranium Leader’s Energy Goals Grow
Kazakhstan is still the biggest producer of uranium in the world. Even though this is the case, the country does not currently make nuclear power. But it has worked with research and fast reactors before.
A BN-350 sodium-cooled fast reactor ran near Aktau until 1999. Three research reactors are still in use today. This background gives you the technical knowledge you need to grow your business in the future.
Reducing Fossil Fuel Dependence
The goal of the nuclear program is to add more types of energy to Kazakhstan’s energy mix. Officials want to use less coal and other fossil fuels. One of the main goals of the strategy is to lower CO2 emissions.
The government wants nuclear power to make up 5% of the country’s energy by 2035. Feasibility studies that were finished in 2018 are part of long-term planning. More than 10 years ago, work on site selection and preparation began.
What KNPP Does in Project Development
The Kazakhstan Nuclear Power Plant JSC was set up in 2014. The Samruk-Kazyna National Welfare Fund runs the subsidiary. It is the official owner and operator of future facilities.
Before starting the project, KNPP did assessments and site identification work. The feasibility analysis looked at both the technical and economic needs. The company is now moving forward with implementation with the help of international partners.
Future Options Include Small Modular Reactors
In addition to large reactors, officials are also looking into using small modular reactors. These units could take the place of old coal plants in many areas. SMRs are flexible and can add capacity in small steps.
Using more advanced technologies might make the grid more stable. Policymakers want to find a balance between energy security and sustainability. Kazakhstan’s nuclear expansion is a big change in the structure of energy.
