Nuclear power plant construction in Kazakhstan: how sanctions might impact the government's plans.

Almasadam Satkaliyev noted that the final decision regarding the formation of the consortium will ultimately be made by Kazakhstan.

"A highly qualified special commission has been established to study all these risks. The questionnaires we distributed to all potential vendors clearly outline their vision regarding the composition of the consortium, any sanction restrictions, and their willingness to provide guarantees. Secondly, all contracts and agreements with potential vendors will undergo international anti-sanction compliance. All contracts will include a so-called sanction clause that minimizes any risks associated with the subsequent imposition of sanctions," - emphasized the head of the Ministry of Energy.

Thus, according to the minister, the government is initially minimizing all these risks when making decisions to eliminate any potential issues in the future.

"If there are any contradictions among the participants, such a consortium will not be formed, and a different, more reliable, and long-term structure or combination of vendors will be applied," - pointed out Almasadam Satkaliyev.

Today, the head of the Ministry of Energy, Almasadam Satkaliyev, spoke in the Mazhilis about the principles that will guide the selection of vendors for the construction of the nuclear power plant.

It has also become known that the Ministry of Energy has been instructed to search for a site not only for the second but also for the third nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan.

Notably, the day before, Prime Minister Olzhas Bektanov stated that Kazakhstan would begin determining the region for the construction of the second nuclear power plant.

After listening to the report, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev instructed to expedite the construction of the first nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan and to identify the location for the second one.

Furthermore, Almasadam Satkaliyev reported that there will be no need for a referendum for the construction of the second nuclear power plant.

Construction of a Nuclear Power Plant in Kazakhstan

In 2019, it was announced that a nuclear power plant would be built in the Almaty region. At the end of 2021, the head of the Ministry of Energy, Almasadam Satkaliyev, confirmed that the nuclear station could be located in this very settlement.

In November 2023, the head of the Ministry of Energy discussed when the company that will build the nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan will be selected. In December, the estimated amount planned for the construction of the first nuclear power plant in the country was revealed.

In June of this year, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced that a referendum would be held in Kazakhstan to decide whether to construct a nuclear power plant in the country.

The voting took place on October 6 of last year. Kazakhs were asked to respond to one question: "Do you agree with the construction of a nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan?" To express their opinion on this matter, citizens needed to tick or cross one of the two response options - "yes" or "no."

According to the Central Election Commission, the turnout was 63.87%, meaning more than 7.8 million Kazakhs participated in the voting. The number of votes in favor of the positive resolution of the issue was 71.12%, or 5,561,937. The number of citizens who voted against was 2,045,271.