Kazakhstan launches its nuclear project

Kazakhstan, the world's leading uranium producer, is speeding up its transition to nuclear power. Public consultations have been held ahead of the referendum that will determine the future of the country's first nuclear power plant.

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Kazakhstan, a major player on the world uranium market, is preparing to introduce nuclear power into its energy mix.
This project, at the heart of the country’s strategy, aims to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and strengthen its energy security. The siting of Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant is currently the subject of public discussion, a prerequisite for the referendum scheduled for autumn.
The government, aware of the strategic stakes involved, has chosen to build on existing nuclear experience.
Kazakhstan has already operated a sodium-cooled fast reactor for several decades, and national teams are currently involved in building nuclear power plants in Turkey and Russia.
This expertise is a key asset for the country.

Technological and economic challenges

The public consultations, which took place in every region of the country, addressed issues crucial to the future of the project.
Technological security, socio-economic repercussions and the guarantee of a stable energy supply were at the heart of the debates.
The Ulken site, on the shores of Lake Balkhash, was identified as the most suitable location for the power plant.
At the same time, Kazakhstan is also exploring the possibility of introducing small modular reactors (SMRs) to modernize its aging energy infrastructure, particularly coal-fired plants.
This project is part of a broader vision to diversify the country’s energy sources, while strengthening its resilience to fluctuations in the fossil fuel market.

Nuclear Program Outlook

If approved by referendum, Kazakhstan’s nuclear power program is set to account for 5% of the country’s electricity production by 2035.
This nuclear development aims not only to diversify the country’s energy supply, but also to meet the growing demand for electricity while reducing the share of fossil fuels.
Implementing this project will require a sustained commitment, both technologically and financially.
Kazakhstan is looking to the future, drawing on its in-house expertise and international partnerships to build a reliable and sustainable nuclear infrastructure.

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The International Atomic Energy Agency projects global nuclear capacity to reach 992 GW by 2050, driven by small modular reactors and lifetime extensions of existing plants.
Premier American Uranium and Nuclear Fuels have announced a target date of around September 19 to finalise their strategic consolidation, pending final approval from the TSX Venture Exchange.
The General Court of the European Union has rejected Austria’s appeal against the inclusion of gas and nuclear energy in the classification of sustainable investments.
Kazakhstan has signed an agreement with Nukem Technologies Engineering Services GmbH to benefit from German expertise in nuclear decommissioning and radioactive waste management.
The European Court of Justice annulled the European Commission's authorisation of Hungarian state aid for the Paks II nuclear project, questioning compliance with EU public procurement rules.
A Chinese consortium has secured a CNY4.2bn ($594mn) contract for the construction of conventional islands for the Xuwei nuclear project, combining third and fourth generation reactors.
Rosatom and China National Nuclear Corporation signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen bilateral cooperation in talent development and skills training in the nuclear sector.
Iran has reached a new agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency to formalise the resumption of inspections, following months of suspension linked to military tensions and criticism of its nuclear programme.
The French Energy Regulatory Commission outlines a structured plan to accelerate the deployment of small modular reactors, focusing on industrial heat and series effects to enhance competitiveness.
US-based Nuclearn has secured $10.5mn to scale its artificial intelligence platform, already deployed in over 65 nuclear reactors, to automate critical operations amid rising energy demand.
The steel dome of the CAP1000 Haiyang 4 reactor has been positioned, a major construction milestone paving the way for upcoming maintenance and technical installation phases.
The Groupement des Industriels Français de l'Énergie Nucléaire and the Belgian Nuclear Forum formalise a partnership aimed at strengthening industrial exchanges and joint projects between the two countries’ nuclear sectors.
The International Atomic Energy Agency warns that little time remains to reach an agreement with Iran on fully resuming inspections, as European sanctions could be reimposed within 30 days.
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US-based Oklo will build the country’s first privately funded nuclear fuel recycling centre in Oak Ridge, investing $1.7bn and creating over 800 jobs.
The Tennessee Valley Authority partners with ENTRA1 Energy to develop up to 6 gigawatts of modular nuclear capacity, in an unprecedented project supporting energy growth across seven U.S. states.
A report by the International Atomic Energy Agency puts Iran’s 60% enriched uranium at 440.9 kg before Israeli and U.S. strikes, while the agency’s access to enrichment sites has remained suspended since the operations.
US-based Westinghouse has signed six industrial agreements in the UK to supply critical components for its AP1000 and AP300 nuclear projects in Britain and abroad.
NANO Nuclear Energy receives direct funding from the US Air Force innovation branch to assess the integration of its KRONOS MMR™ microreactor at the Washington D.C. military base.

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