GlobalNuclear Companies Chosen by Kazakhstan for New Power Plant Construction
Kazakhstan is embarking on a significant modernization of its energy and utility sectors, investing a massive 13.5 trillion tenge (US$25.5 billion) by 2029. This ambitious project aims to improve energy efficiency, address aging infrastructure, and meet rising demand, all while shifting towards market-based pricing.
The companies in the running to build Kazakhstan’s future nuclear power plants are primarily Russia’s Rosatom and China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), with South Korea’s KHNP and France’s EDF also shortlisted as potential suppliers.
Rosatom was selected in June 2025 to lead the first nuclear power plant near Ulken village by Lake Balkhash. CNNC is contracted to develop the second plant, and it was recently confirmed that CNNC will also build the third nuclear power plant. KHNP and EDF had been considered but ultimately were not chosen for the current projects.
Several factors influenced their selection. Geopolitical considerations appear to have played a role, with Kazakhstan’s decisions driven more by balancing between Russia and China than purely economic or technical factors. A 2024 referendum passed by Kazakhstan’s citizens also supported nuclear expansion, enabling the government to pursue multiple new plants.
Locations were chosen emphasizing proximity to water sources and power distribution networks. The selected companies are focusing on reactors with two water cooling circuits, considered the safest reactors.
Technology and experience were also crucial factors. Rosatom’s first plant design is based on Russia’s proven Generation III+ Novovoronezh reactors, known for safety, fuel efficiency, and cost effectiveness. The companies specialize in water-cooled reactors, a technology that Kazakhstan is likely to adopt for its nuclear power plants.
Kazakhstan conducted open, constructive talks with these international firms, requiring feasibility and detailed technical-economic assessments before finalizing plans and costs. The modernization initiative aims to address aging infrastructure, rising demand, and tariff imbalances, and it will overhaul 80,000 kilometers of networks.
The final decision on the supplier or consortium for the construction of the nuclear power plant will be made in the near future, based on national interests, international norms and obligations, and IAEA recommendations. The modernization also aims to adapt to emerging challenges like the rise of electric vehicles and focuses on sustainability and equitable solutions.
The companies selected for nuclear power plant technology have a strong presence in countries such as the Czech Republic, Egypt, Hungary, India, Türkiye, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which have established collaborations with them. The modernization will gradually shift to market-based pricing.
[1] The Astana Times [2] Kazinform [3] TASS [4] China Daily [5] Nuclear Power International
- Recognizing the importance of technology and expertise, Kazakhstan's selection of companies for its nuclear power plant projects is leaning towards those with proven track records, such as Russia's Rosatom, China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), South Korea's KHNP, and France's EDF, who have a strong presence in various countries, including the Czech Republic, Egypt, Hungary, India, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates.
- To ensure environmental sustainability, the new nuclear power plants being developed in Kazakhstan will utilize reactors with two water cooling circuits, considered the safest, and will focus on addressing aging infrastructure, rising demand, and tariff imbalances, while also adapting to emerging challenges like the rise of electric vehicles and pursuing equitable solutions.
