Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev paid a working visit to Kazakhstan, where he met with Prime Minister Alikhan Smaiylov. The parties discussed the development of cooperation in the energy sector, including construction of a high-capacity nuclear power plant. Alexey Likhachev spoke about the prospects of strategic partnership between the two countries in an interview with journalists. Below are excerpts from that interview.
Kazakhstan is not alien to nuclear power. Back in Soviet times, the BN-350 fast-neutron reactor operated in the city of Aktau, generating electricity and heat while also desalinating water. Today, Kazakhstan is the undisputed leader in the natural uranium market, accounting for 40% of global uranium production. The next stage in the development of its nuclear technology is the transition to powerful VVER-1200 reactors. Once the nuclear plant is completed, Kazakhstan’s power system will gain nearly 2.5 GW of green, sustainable energy.
The current agenda focuses on transitioning to Generation IV systems. These include advanced pressurized water reactors (what we are currently building and what represent the best-selling product in the global market), fast-neutron reactors, and closed fuel cycles.
We are ready to allocate up to one-third of contracts for general construction, installation, metal structures, and building materials to Kazakh companies.
If we compare the plant to be built in Kazakhstan and the Akkuyu NPP Rosatom is currently constructing in Türkiye, their economic models will differ. As for Türkiye, we will remain there as operators of the nuclear power plant now under construction. In Kazakhstan, we will transfer the facility to the country’s government, and its national nuclear energy agencies will independently decide to what extent they want to involve Rosatom in further operations. That is, the station will be owned by Kazakhstan, and it is not us but the Kazakh authorities who will make decisions regarding workforce training, technical maintenance, fuel supply, and modernization. We are prepared for any scenario. In any case, the new plant’s contribution to the country’s GDP will be significant.
Experts worldwide agree that it would be impossible to create a sustainable, green energy system without nuclear technologies. There is no alternative. Renewable energy sources alone cannot meet demand for electricity in full. The world will not be able to address climate challenges without green and sustainable baseload nuclear generation.
The nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan will be built on the shore of Lake Balkhash. Concerns have been voiced by local residents that its operation might affect the environment and water quality in the lake. I would once again emphasize that all necessary environmental and technological assessments are conducted prior to the start of construction to minimize any possible risks. To dispel unfounded fears, let me provide one example. For over ten years, Rosatom has been organizing international and Russian fishing tournaments at the reservoirs adjacent to nuclear power plants. All caught fish undergo radiation testing, and each time competitors are convinced that the catch is completely eco safe.
Photo by: Akkuyu Nuclear JSC, NASA, Press Service of the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan
