Russia to support Kazakhstan in building a nuke power plant

Preliminary engineering survey to construct a nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan has began. Rosatom- PR- Photo- 13.08.2025

The initial work, like engineering surveys to determine the optimal site and prepare design documentation for a high-capacity nuclear power plant (NPP) in the Hambyl district of Almaty Region in Kazakhstan, formally began last week. Director General of the Russian State Corporation Rosatom Alexey Likhachev, Chairman of the Atomic Energy Agency of Kazakhstan for Almasadam Satkaliyev, and Akim of Almaty Region Marat Sultangaziyev were present at the launching event.

Specialists from Rosatom’s Engineering Division started drilling the first exploratory borehole and soil sampling. These studies will assess seismic stability, hydrogeological features, and other parameters of the area, which are essential for the safety and reliability of the future plant. A total of at least 50 boreholes, each between 30 and 120 metres deep, will be drilled during this stage. A final decision on the nuclear power plant’s exact location will be made based on the survey results.

The surveys ensure the project complies with both international and national standards, minimizes environmental and technological risks, and creates a foundation for efficient design of the future nuclear power plant.

“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,” said Alexey Likhachev, Director General of Rosatom.

The future plant will be based on modern VVER-1200 reactors (pressurized water reactors of 1200 MW electric capacity) of Generation III+. This technology meets the strictest international safety standards and is already successfully used in operating and under-construction facilities in Russia, Belarus, Turkey, Bangladesh, Egypt, and China. The reactor’s service life is 60 years, with a potential extension of another 20 years.

During the ceremony, employees of Leningrad NPP, Akkuyu NPP (Turkey), Belarus NPP, Paks-2 NPP (Hungary), and Rooppur NPP (Bangladesh), where VVER-1200 units are already operating or being built, addressed the residents. – Press release