Kazakhstan, Russia Begin Work on High-Capacity Nuclear Power Plant in Almaty Region.

Kazakhstan and Russia have officially commenced engineering surveys for the construction of a high-capacity nuclear power plant (NPP) in Ulken, Almaty Region, marking a major milestone in bilateral cooperation on energy development.

The project, aimed at bolstering Kazakhstan’s long-term energy security, enhancing its national nuclear infrastructure, and supporting carbon reduction goals, follows the signing of a landmark agreement in June 2025 at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. The deal was inked by Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev and Kazakhstan’s Atomic Energy Agency Chairman Almasadam Satkaliyev.

Under the agreement, the project will progress through key stages, including detailed engineering surveys, preparation of design documentation, and an eventual Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract.

The planned NPP will feature the Russian-designed VVER-1200 — a Generation III+ pressurized water reactor (PWR) known for advanced safety systems such as passive heat removal and containment cooling. With a service life of 60 years, extendable by 20 years, the technology is already in operation or under construction in Russia, Belarus, Turkey, Bangladesh, Egypt, and China.

Once completed, the plant will deliver 1,200 megawatts of capacity, positioning it among the largest energy facilities in Central Asia. It is expected to catalyze regional development by creating modern infrastructure, schools, kindergartens, and social amenities.

Launching the surveys, Likhachev stressed Rosatom’s commitment to leveraging its expertise for the project. “Today is only the first step, but it determines Kazakhstan’s path toward establishing a new high-tech sector in the national economy,” he said.

Satkaliyev underscored the NPP’s strategic importance, noting its potential to drive sustainable economic growth at both regional and national levels.

The surveys will involve drilling at least 50 boreholes, ranging from 30 to 120 meters deep, to assess seismic stability, hydrogeology, and other environmental factors. The final site decision will depend on the survey results.

Rosatom will lead an international consortium in executing the project under Kazakhstan-Russia agreements on peaceful nuclear energy use.

Africavoiceonline, with its focus on promoting safe nuclear adoption, has pledged to monitor the project’s progress and report on key developments in Kazakhstan and other NPP projects worldwide.