The site for the second nuclear power plant, Moyinkum, has been determined. This was announced at the Kurultai by Almasadam Satkaliyev, chairman of the Atomic Energy Agency. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Sputnik Kazakhstan.

According to him, engineering and survey work at the Balkhash nuclear power plant is nearing completion. The Zhambyl district of the Almaty region has been selected for the construction of the Moyinkum nuclear power plant. Relevant intergovernmental documents on the project are currently being developed.

Balkhash NPP: agreements and construction plans

According to Satkaliyev, in May 2026 intergovernmental agreements were signed on the main terms and principles of the Balkhash NPP construction, as well as on project financing, and they were ratified in June. In September 2026, an EPC contract was signed.

“These documents lay the foundation for the practical implementation of the Balkhash NPP construction. Construction work at the station site is planned to begin in 2027,” the agency head said.

Strategic uranium reserve

Kazakhstan plans to accumulate 150,000 tonnes of uranium reserves by 2050. To supply future nuclear power plants with nuclear fuel, the issue of creating a state strategic uranium reserve in Kazakhstan is being considered.

“The strategy for the development of the atomic industry of the Republic of Kazakhstan envisages reserving at least 150,000 tonnes of uranium reserves by 2050, as well as developing and approving conceptual approaches to creating a strategic uranium reserve,” Satkaliyev said.

Local content share to reach 30%

Almasadam Satkaliyev said that during the construction of the first nuclear power plant, the local content share is planned to be raised to 30%. To this end, a comprehensive plan for the development of production localization in the atomic industry has been approved. It includes 22 measures in four areas.

According to the agency head, the signing of the EPC contract on September 3, 2026 will make it possible to involve domestic enterprises in the supply chain of goods and services needed for NPP construction. At the same time, quality and safety requirements will be taken into account.

Thousands of workers needed

Also, during the construction of one nuclear power plant with two power units, more than 10,000 workers will be needed at the peak of construction work. About 1,800 specialists will be required for the subsequent operation of the station.