KNPP Outlines Key Areas for Domestic Participation in Kazakhstan’s First Nuclear Power Plant Construction
As part of World Nuclear Week in Moscow, a roundtable titled “Localizing the Global: Partnerships and National Content” was held, focusing on expanding international cooperation and enhancing the role of domestic companies in the implementation of nuclear energy projects.
The session — moderated by Alexander Bychkov, an independent nuclear energy expert and former IAEA Deputy Director General — brought together representatives of leading global companies and industry organizations, including the World Nuclear Association (WNA), ASE (Rosatom Engineering Division), Petrojet, the State Nuclear Regulatory Authority of Belarus, as well as delegates from Hungary, Egypt, Russia, Indonesia, and Kazakhstan.
Kazakhstan was represented by Zhomart Zhasanov, Project Director at LLP “KNPP” (Kazakhstan Nuclear Power Plants). In his remarks, he emphasized that the construction of the country’s first nuclear power plant is a logical and strategic step aimed at transforming Kazakhstan’s resource potential into full-scale nuclear generation, strengthening energy security, and developing a domestic nuclear fuel cycle.
“The construction of a nuclear power plant is seen not only as a means to address electricity shortages but also as a strategic driver of socio-economic development. The project will create new jobs, stimulate scientific and educational progress, help meet international climate commitments, and enhance the country’s energy independence,” Zhasanov said.
He placed particular emphasis on localization and the involvement of domestic companies. Specifically, Kazakhstani contractors are expected to be involved in site preparation, construction of temporary and auxiliary facilities, and infrastructure development. Meanwhile, international partners will provide key equipment and implement best-in-class technological solutions, including turbine islands and automation systems.
Kazakhstan is already taking concrete steps toward integrating into global nuclear supply chains. For instance, a fuel assembly production facility is operating in Ust-Kamenogorsk, and some Kazakhstani companies already have experience supplying domestically produced equipment for nuclear power plant construction projects abroad.
Human capital development is a key part of the strategy, Zhasanov noted. Kazakhstani specialists are already participating in international nuclear projects in Turkey, Bangladesh, and Egypt, and plans are underway to establish a national training center for nuclear professionals in partnership with leading universities and industry vendors — including MEPhI, the flagship university of Rosatom.
“Over the long term, Kazakhstan is considering the construction of three nuclear power plants, including the potential deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs). In parallel, we will develop nuclear medicine and related technologies — further strengthening Kazakhstan’s position in the global nuclear ecosystem,” Zhasanov added.
KNPP’s participation in the roundtable reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s intention not only to build its own nuclear power plant, but also to secure a strategic position in the global nuclear value chain. The synergy between international expertise and national capabilities will enable the creation of a new high-tech sector in Kazakhstan — and establish the country as a center of nuclear competence on the global stage.
