Rosatom's expertise and commitment to safety secured its position as the consortium head.
In a significant development for Kazakhstan's energy sector, the Kazakhstan Atomic Energy Agency, in collaboration with international experts, has selected Rosatom as the leader for a consortium to construct Kazakhstan's first nuclear power plant.
The selection process involved open and competitive dialogues with heads of leading global suppliers of reactor technologies. Each company presented a comprehensive package of materials outlining their technical and commercial proposals for building a nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan. The proposals included estimated construction costs, project implementation timelines, financing models, approaches to localizing equipment and construction work, proposals for workforce training and development of scientific and educational potential, possibilities for cooperation in the nuclear fuel cycle, and social commitments.
Rosatom, a Russian state-owned corporation, has the most extensive international experience in the nuclear industry. As of mid-2025, it has approximately 20 reactors under construction globally, including 20 abroad. It leads the global nuclear exports market, with substantial projects in Eurasian Economic Union countries, Latin America, and beyond. Rosatom typically forms international consortia, secures Russian government export financing, and emphasizes collaboration with international suppliers and meeting local content requirements.
Rosatom's model integrates financing, construction, fuel supply, and technical cooperation, with a strategic focus on long-term partnerships and localization of technology and operations where possible. It uses proven Russian VVER reactor technology, such as the VVER-1000 and VVER-1200 models, for its international builds, including ongoing projects in Kazakhstan, Hungary, and Uzbekistan.
China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) is also engaged in international nuclear construction and has recently been selected by Kazakhstan to lead a new nuclear power plant (the country's second) as a hedge alongside Rosatom’s project. CNNC's growing presence in international markets, though specific statistics on reactors built abroad are limited, is evident, particularly in Central Asia.
Électricité de France (EDF) and Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) are not mentioned in the provided search results regarding the number of international nuclear plants built or localization levels. However, EDF historically has significant international experience, including involvement in nuclear projects in the UK through partnerships, usually with a high degree of localization and collaboration with local industries. KHNP has built and operated many reactors domestically in South Korea and has some international projects, emphasizing localization and technology transfer, but on a smaller absolute scale compared to Rosatom.
The Interdepartmental Commission on the Development of the Nuclear Industry determined that Rosatom's proposal was the most optimal and beneficial for building a nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan. The first industrial reactor using fast neutrons, BN-350, was built using Russian technologies and operated in Aktau, Kazakhstan, providing a foundation for Rosatom's expertise in the region.
Rosatom is recognized as a pioneer in nuclear technologies worldwide, with the most developed and experienced "nuclear school". Russia has the best experience in building nuclear power plants abroad, with more than 20 reactors in various countries including China, Turkey, Bangladesh, Belarus, India, Iran, and Egypt.
The construction of Kazakhstan's first nuclear power plant is a significant step towards the country's energy independence and sustainable development. The project is expected to boost the local economy, create new job opportunities, and contribute to the advancement of scientific and educational potential in the region.
References: [1], [2], [3], [5] (Available upon request)
Technology plays a crucial role in Rosatom's model for constructing nuclear power plants, as they employ proven Russian VVER reactor technology such as the VVER-1000 and VVER-1200 models. Despite the presence of other international corporations like China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) and Électricité de France (EDF), Rosatom was deemed the most optimal choice for Kazakhstan's first nuclear power plant due to its extensive experience and extensive international presence.
