SUBSCRIBE
PROFILE

Kazakhstan moves towards nuclear power

Kazakhstan, with its vast uranium resources, is seriously considering the adoption of nuclear power to diversify its energy mix and meet its carbon neutrality targets. A recent event organized by the World Nuclear Association and Kazakhstan's Ministry of Energy highlighted the country's nuclear ambitions and the associated challenges.

Share:

référendum nucléaire Kazakhstan

Subscribe for unlimited access to all the latest energy sector news.

Over 150 multisector articles and analyses every week.

For less than €3/week*

*For an annual commitment

*Engagement annuel à seulement 99 € (au lieu de 149 €), offre valable jusqu'au 30/07/2025 minuit.

SUBSCRIBE
On April 15, a crucial gathering took place, organized by the World Nuclear Association in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The event served as a platform to discuss Kazakhstan’s requirements for nuclear power deployment and the opportunities for the country to push its nuclear…

On April 15, a crucial gathering took place, organized by the World Nuclear Association in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The event served as a platform to discuss Kazakhstan’s requirements for nuclear power deployment and the opportunities for the country to push its nuclear plans forward. Senior government officials, industry leaders and institutional representatives discussed potential strategies and the benefits of nuclear power.

Kazakhstan’s objectives and the role of nuclear power

Sungat Yessimkhanov, Deputy Minister of Energy, emphasized the historical and current importance of nuclear power for Kazakhstan, particularly as a leader in uranium production. He expressed the need to maximize this advantage to achieve carbon neutrality targets. The forum also addressed the growing recognition of nuclear energy as a key tool for achieving net-zero objectives, underlined by international summits and declarations.

Discussion on technology and infrastructure investment

Yernat Berdigulov, Director of Strategy and Asset Management at Samruk-Kazyna, discussed the sovereign wealth fund’s interest in nuclear power as a low-carbon energy source, and its potential for using SMR technologies, which are particularly suited to the country’s remote areas.

Steps towards a nuclear program decision

Kazakhstan is following the IAEA Milestones approach to developing the infrastructure required for a nuclear power program. Last year, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced a referendum on the construction of a nuclear power plant. Gulmira Mursalova, Deputy Director of the Department of Atomic Energy and Industry, noted that actions are already underway to evaluate technological options and strengthen national capacities in anticipation of this project.

Sama Bilbao y Léon, Director General of the World Nuclear Association, affirmed the support of the global nuclear community for Kazakhstan in its efforts to integrate nuclear energy. She stressed the importance of reaching a national consensus for a successful and equitable energy transition.

  • Popular on energynews.pro
RWE secures two solar projects in North Rhine-Westphalia through a federal tender
IBM and NASA launch AI model to anticipate solar storm risks
Oman Unlocks $500 Million to Exploit Its Copper and Chrome Reserves
Pietro Mendes resigns from Petrobras to lead Brazilian oil agency ANP
Bahrain signs strategic energy agreement with EOG Resources
Malaysia Launches Strategic Study on Civil Nuclear Potential
The Malaysian government initiates a national assessment on nuclear energy feasibility, targeting regions facing energy supply constraints and integrating international regulatory requirements.
Premier American Uranium finalizes the acquisition of Nuclear Fuels with Court approval
The merger between Premier American Uranium and Nuclear Fuels reaches a key milestone following final approval of the arrangement plan by the Supreme Court of British Columbia.
Google and Kairos Power to Build a 50 MW Nuclear Reactor in Tennessee
TVA, Google, and Kairos Power formalize an agreement to connect an advanced reactor to the grid, supporting data center energy growth and reinforcing the U.S. nuclear industry.
X-energy and the Pentagon Accelerate Nuclear Microreactor for National Security
The U.S. Department of Defense has signed an agreement with X-energy to develop a commercial nuclear microreactor intended to power sensitive military infrastructure.
NANO Nuclear Raises $209 Million and Accelerates Microreactor Deployment
With cash reserves multiplied sevenfold in nine months, NANO Nuclear intensifies development of its KRONOS MMR and positions itself in the Canadian and U.S. modular nuclear markets.
Equinix secures 20 Radiant microreactors and a nuclear deal in the Netherlands
Equinix signed a preorder for 20 Kaleidos nuclear microreactors and a letter of intent for a power purchase agreement with ULC-Energy, reinforcing its energy supply strategy for its data centers.
Oklo selected for three pilot projects by U.S. Department of Energy
The U.S. Department of Energy selects Oklo and its subsidiary Atomic Alchemy for three pilot reactor projects aiming for criticality before July 2026.
Eleven US companies selected to fast-track small nuclear reactor testing
The United States Department of Energy has selected eleven companies to build experimental nuclear reactors by July 2026, under a programme aimed at meeting rising electricity demand.
South Africa confirms environmental authorisation for Duynefontein nuclear power plant
The South African Minister of the Environment has approved Eskom’s authorisation to build a nuclear power plant in Duynefontein, ending appeals lodged by several environmental organisations.
The United Kingdom prepares major reform of nuclear regulation
An independent group calls for deep changes to speed up the approval of UK nuclear projects and cut costs linked to a system seen as too slow and complex.
Radiant signs contract to deliver nuclear microreactor to the US military in 2028
Radiant has signed an agreement with the Department of the Air Force and the Defense Innovation Unit to supply a portable nuclear microreactor, marking a first in mass production for military use.
Gravelines’ six reactors shut down after massive jellyfish invasion
The Gravelines nuclear power plant, the largest in Western Europe, halted all production after its cooling systems were obstructed by an unexpected influx of jellyfish. EDF plans a gradual restart in the coming days.
IAEA confirms tritium levels well below limits for 14th batch of ALPS-treated water
The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed that the tritium concentration in the 14th batch of ALPS-treated water discharged by TEPCO remains well below Japan’s operational limit.
Surveys for Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant enter active phase
Field studies to determine the location of Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant have begun near the village of Ulken, marking a key stage in a project led by Rosatom.
China begins construction of the first two nuclear reactors at Jinqimen
China’s nuclear safety authority has approved the construction of units 1 and 2 at the Jinqimen plant, authorising the start of foundation work for the first reactor.
India launches a two-pronged strategy to accelerate nuclear power by 2047
India unveils a national plan to boost nuclear capacity to 100 GW by 2047, combining large reactors and small modules, with a strengthened regulatory framework and new public-private partnerships.
Belarus paves the way for strategic nuclear cooperation with Uzbekistan
Belarus offers its expertise to support the construction of Uzbekistan’s first nuclear power plant, as Tashkent accelerates its civil energy projects with new international partnerships.
HYLENR raises $3 mn to accelerate commercialisation of its industrial LENR reactors
Start-up HYLENR finalises a strategic $3 mn fundraising to move from pilot phase to industrialisation of its low-energy nuclear reaction systems for industrial heat production.
Indonesia approves site study for Thorcon nuclear power plant on Kelasa Island
The regulatory approval granted to PT Thorcon Power Indonesia for its site study on Kelasa Island marks a decisive step toward the development of the country’s first private nuclear project.
U.S. uranium production soars in 2024, reaching its highest level in a decade
Uranium output from American mines surged more than thirteen-fold in 2024, driven by increased investment, exploration drilling and a partial restart of industrial capacity across several key states.
Consent Preferences