Kazakhstan Chooses Four International Nuclear Companies for Nuclear Power Plant Building
Kazakhstan Modernizes Energy Sector with Focus on Sustainability and Efficiency
Kazakhstan is embarking on a significant modernization of its energy and utility sectors, investing 13.5 trillion tenge (US$25.5 billion) by 2029. The modernization aims to improve energy efficiency, adapt to emerging challenges like the rise of electric vehicles, and focus on sustainability and equitable solutions.
The modernization will overhaul 80,000 kilometers of networks and will improve energy conservation. A key aspect of this modernization is the shift towards market-based pricing, reflecting Kazakhstan's commitment to economic reform.
In the realm of nuclear energy, Kazakhstan is considering various companies for the construction of its future nuclear power plants. Two companies, Russia's state-owned Rosatom and China's China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), have been selected as the primary contenders.
Rosatom has been chosen to lead an international consortium to build Kazakhstan's first nuclear power plant, with preparations and agreements underway targeting completion around 2035-2036. Meanwhile, CNNC was chosen to head the consortium for the second and a potential third plant, reflecting Kazakhstan's strategy to diversify its nuclear technology partners and balance Russian and Chinese influence in its critical infrastructure sectors.
The selection of Rosatom and CNNC over other internationally recognized suppliers such as South Korea's Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) and France's Electricite de France (EDF) is driven by a combination of technical and economic considerations, as well as significant geopolitical calculations. Kazakhstan's leadership aims to involve local companies substantially in the projects, although specific participation shares are still being finalized.
The final decision on choosing a supplier or consortium for constructing a nuclear power plant will be based on national interests, international norms and obligations, and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) recommendations. The reactors under consideration have two water cooling circuits and are the safest reactors, according to Sergey Agafonov, the chairman of the Kazakhstan Association of Energy Supply Organizations. He also emphasized the importance of negotiating the best possible price for Kazakhstan with future vendors.
The companies under consideration are leaders in the nuclear energy sector and have established collaborations with countries such as the Czech Republic, Egypt, Hungary, India, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates. The modernization initiative addresses aging infrastructure, rising demand, and tariff imbalances, positioning Kazakhstan to meet its energy needs in a sustainable and efficient manner.
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- In the midst of Kazakhstan's modernized energy sector, there is a growing focus on harnessing advanced technologies, such as renewable energy and energy management systems, to optimize energy efficiency and meet growing demand.
- As Kazakhstan diversifies its nuclear technology partners, it is exploring initiatives in the finance sector to secure funding for the construction of these energy projects, recognizing the importance of private-sector partnerships in this modernization journey.
