Kazakhstan Energy Week 2025: KNPP Unveils Ambitious Plans for Nuclear Industry Development
The construction of multiple nuclear power plants, the establishment of a national nuclear cluster, and the training of specialists for a new technological era — these are the ambitious goals announced by LLP “KNPP” during Kazakhstan Energy Week 2025.
The company emphasized that nuclear energy will not only serve as a source of clean energy but also as a key driver of Kazakhstan’s economic growth and technological advancement, including in the field of artificial intelligence.
One of the central themes of Central Asia’s largest energy event was the revival and large-scale development of the nuclear sector. At the strategic session titled “Nuclear Energy: Progress and Safety”, Bekbolsyn Izteleuov, Project Director at KNPP, highlighted that Kazakhstan is entering a new phase in its energy development.
“We are currently drafting a comprehensive strategy for nuclear sector development. Our ambitious objective is to form a national nuclear cluster and build several nuclear power plants. As the Head of State noted, uranium is one of the four pillars of the national energy strategy,” he stated.
According to Mr. Izteleuov, Kazakhstan already has a strong foundation for advancing nuclear projects — more than 70 years of experience in the nuclear industry, a well-established scientific infrastructure, and the necessary expertise with high growth potential. All facilities will be constructed in accordance with international safety standards, and once operational, will provide the country with reliable, clean, and stable sources of energy.
The session featured notable participants, including:
Timur Zhantikin, Deputy Chairman of Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan for Atomic Energy
Liu Hua, Deputy Director General of the IAEA
Marat Tulebayev, First Deputy Chairman of the Management Board and Chief Financial Officer at NAC Kazatomprom
Mao Yawei, Director General of China National Nuclear Corporation Overseas
Gender equality was also a key part of the energy agenda. As highlighted at the 7th Forum of the KAZENERGY Women’s Energy Club, women’s participation in strategic leadership, innovation, and industry development may be a critical factor for future growth. Aizada Akkaysieva, Head of Finance Structuring at KAEC and Chair of the Club, addressed this during her speech.
“Energy has long been seen as a male-dominated field, but today, women are not just working in the sector — they are driving it forward. We must not stop here: outdated stereotypes need to be dismantled. Professionals should be assessed based on their skills, knowledge, and experience — not their gender. Only then can we unlock the full potential of women’s leadership and take the industry to the next level,” emphasized Akkaysieva.
Kazakhstan Energy Week is held annually and is widely regarded as the premier energy event in Central Asia. This year’s forum is expected to set new records in both the number of participants and the scope of topics discussed — from carbon neutrality to digital transformation in the energy sector.
