Kazakhstan is well on its way to realizing the construction of its first high-capacity nuclear power plant. Rosatom, Russia’s state atomic energy corporation, has started engineering surveys in the Zhambyl district to advance this plan. The initiative, which aims to enhance the country’s nuclear energy capacity, aligns with Kazakhstan’s strategic goal of achieving 2.4GW of nuclear power by 2035.
Rosatom’s specialists started the drilling works in Ulken village, the selected location for the greenfield plant. In each of these communities they intend to drill a minimum of 50 boreholes, 30 to 120 meters deep. It is important specifically to evaluate the area’s seismic stability and hydrogeological characteristics. All of these factors are key to constructing a nuclear facility safely and securely.
Engineering Surveys Underway
These engineering surveys are about to launch an exciting new chapter for Kazakhstan. The country is just starting out on its path towards nuclear power. And Russia’s state atomic energy corporation’s (Rosatom) director general, Alexey Likhachev, sounded hopeful about the project’s expected contribution to the country’s energy mosaic.
“The launch of engineering surveys in Ulken marks the beginning of the journey toward the first high-capacity nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan’s modern history.” – Alexey Likhachev, Rosatom director general
The Generation III+ pressurized water reactors chosen for this project will have an electric net capacity of 1200MW. These reactors ensure the protection of the highest international safety standards. They are now either in operation or under construction in Bangladesh, Belarus, China, Egypt, Russia, and Turkey.
Strategic Vision for Nuclear Energy
Kazakhstan’s commitment to nuclear energy development continues to signal its strategic intentions towards long-term economic growth. In June 2025, the country chose Rosatom and the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) to lead. Each of them will head an international consortium to build the East African nation’s first nuclear power plants.
This initiative is about more than just waving a flag and achieving energy independence. Finally, it acts as an incredibly important incentivizer to drive medium and long-term economic growth both regionally and nationally. Almasadam Satkaliyev, chairman of the Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan for Atomic Energy, emphasized the significance of this development.
“Today is only the first step, but it determines Kazakhstan’s path toward establishing a new high-tech sector in the national economy.” – Almasadam Satkaliyev, Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan for Atomic Energy chairman
Future Prospects and Safety Standards
The four reactors proposed for this project have an impressive 60-year lifespan. There’s an opportunity to renew their lease for another 20 years after that! Rosatom has published its willingness to use its vast experience to execute this strategically important project in a successful manner.
Soil sampling, which has already taken place by Rosatom’s specialists, has established what is needed for subsequent activities on site. Kazakhstan is moving ahead with its nuclear plans. This steadfast dedication to precision reflects the company’s commitment to safety and environmental protection.