Construction work at the Balkhash NPP site is planned to begin in 2027. For the second station — Moyinkum — the construction area has been determined. This was announced by Almasadam Satkaliyev, chairman of the Atomic Energy Agency, at a Kurultai meeting. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
According to Satkaliyev, engineering and survey work at the Balkhash NPP site is being completed. In May 2026, intergovernmental agreements on the main terms of project implementation and financing were signed, and in June they were ratified. In September, an EPC contract was concluded.
«In 2027, construction work at the Balkhash NPP site is planned to begin,» the head of the agency said.
For the Moyinkum NPP, the construction area has been determined — the Zhambyl district of the Almaty region. Intergovernmental documents on the project are currently being prepared.
The strategy for the development of the nuclear industry until 2050 provides for reserving at least 150 thousand tons of uranium. The agency is working out mechanisms for creating a state strategic reserve, taking into account the needs of future NPPs.
«It is assumed that the strategic reserve will be formed as a multi-level and comprehensive system covering the entire nuclear fuel supply chain: from reserving uranium reserves in the subsoil to forming a physical stock of natural uranium, a reserve of finished nuclear fuel and other mechanisms,» Satkaliyev explained.
According to him, the agency is changing its approach to subsoil use: uranium is considered a strategic reserve for the future development of the economy.
During the construction of the first nuclear power plant, a localization target of 30% is envisaged. To this end, a comprehensive plan has been approved, including 22 measures in four areas.
They provide for improving the regulatory framework, analyzing the capabilities of Kazakh enterprises, modernizing existing and creating new production facilities, as well as introducing digital platforms.
The involvement of domestic suppliers in the project will be worked out taking into account quality and nuclear and radiation safety requirements. The work is coordinated with the Atameken National Chamber of Entrepreneurs through the AIDA Nuclear Industry Development Association.
According to the agency's calculations, at the peak of construction of one NPP with two power units, more than 10 thousand workers will be required. For subsequent operation — about 1.8 thousand people.
«Taking into account plans for the construction of two NPPs, it is necessary to ensure the training of relevant specialists in advance,» Satkaliyev noted.
In September, the government approved a comprehensive plan for training personnel for the nuclear industry for 2027–2031. It includes updating educational programs, training and internships, developing educational infrastructure and international cooperation.
Satkaliyev also reported on plans for the development of the Kurchatov science city and a science and technology park based on the Institute of Nuclear Physics. A detailed plan for creating the science city for 2027–2031 was approved in 2026.
In addition, the purchase of fresh nuclear fuel for the VVR-K research reactor in 2028–2029 is being worked out. The supply should ensure its continuous and safe operation in 2030–2039. The reactor is used, among other things, for the production of radioisotopes for the treatment of oncological diseases.
The launch of the Belgian Cyclone-18/9 cyclotron installation is planned. According to the agency, this will increase the production of radiopharmaceuticals and improve the reliability of their supplies.