Nuclear power plant construction in Kazakhstan assigned to specific entity revealed
In the bustling heart of Kazakhstan, the chosen one for leading the international team to build the nation's first nuclear power plant has been revealed - none other than the Russian state corporation, "Rosatom." This announcement was made by the Kazakh Agency for Atomic Energy, as reported by Liter.kz.
The selection was the result of a thorough, open, and heated competition with top global firms specializing in reactor technologies. Representatives from Kazakhstan, alongside international experts, scrutinized the production facilities of the companies and evaluated their technical and commercial potential.
The race saw four companies make it to the final round:
- "Rosatom" (Russia),
- China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) (China),
- Électricité de France (EDF) (France),
- Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) (South Korea).
Each competitor presented a detailed proposal, including construction costs and timelines, financing options, localization and workforce plans, personnel training, scientific potential development, social commitments, and nuclear fuel cycle approaches.
So, why the love for "Rosatom"? The decision was based on an integrated evaluation developed by the Kazakh Agency for Atomic Energy and Kazakhstan’s Nuclear Power Plants LLP, with the participation of the French engineering company Assystem. The evaluation focused on factors such as:
- reactor technology safety,
- financial and technological parameters,
- international experience in NPP construction,
- degree of localization and personnel training.
Currently, negotiations on state export financing for the project from the Russian Federation are in progress. However, talks with other countries and companies will continue, aiming to create an effective international consortium to bring Kazakhstan's first NPP to life.
For more insight into this development:
- Assystem develops methodology for Kazakhstan's selection of international consortium leader for NPP
- Three NPPs could be built in Kazakhstan
- NPP: Kazakhstan officially determines construction site
- Dusenbai Turganov: "NPP construction is a strategic decision for energy security"
[1] Rosatom's selection: a strategic move to address Kazakhstan's energy needs
[2] Russia's extensive experience and track record in nuclear energy technology
[3] Strong public support for nuclear power in Kazakhstan's referendum
- The selection of Rosatom as the leader for Kazakhstan's first nuclear power plant project is strategically significant, given their robust reactor technology and extensive experience in the nuclear energy sector.
- The decision to choose Rosatom also reflects the strong public support for nuclear power in Kazakhstan, evident in the referendum, and their need for advanced technology to address energy demands.
