Public hearings on the construction project of Kazakhstan’s second nuclear power plant were held in the village of Ulken.
Today, public hearings were held in the village of Ulken to discuss the proposed site for the construction of Kazakhstan’s second nuclear power plant. The event was attended by local residents, public figures, representatives of the maslikhat, the Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan for Atomic Energy , “Kazakhstan Nuclear Power Plants” LLP, and the “Institute of Nuclear Physics” RSE.
Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan for Atomic Energy together with “Kazakhstan Nuclear Power Plants” LLP, conducted an analysis of potential locations for the second NPP, taking into account the need for baseload capacity, geological factors, grid infrastructure, and the reliable supply of electricity for the country’s growing economy.
This analysis was reviewed at a meeting of the Interdepartmental Commission on the Development of the Nuclear Industry of the Republic of Kazakhstan, which recommended designating the Zhambyl District of the Almaty Region as the site for the construction of the second NPP.
Participants were provided with open and accessible information on the studies conducted to determine the proposed location of the second NPP, key technical aspects of its construction, the set of measures ensuring the safe operation of the nuclear reactor, as well as the expected socio-economic impacts.
Experts answered residents’ questions, emphasizing that modern reactor technologies meet international standards and are equipped with multi-level safety systems.
“In Kazakhstan, Generation III+ reactors will be used, where safety is ensured through multiple redundancy and a combination of passive and active protection systems. Modern reactors are recognized by the global community as environmentally friendly and safe,” noted Gulmira Mursalova, Director of the Nuclear Energy Department of the Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan for Atomic Energy.
Asuan Siyabekov, Lead Engineer of the Energy Group at “KNPP” LLP, stressed that the site selection was based on a comprehensive analysis of key natural, technical, and infrastructural factors: “When selecting the location, we examined key characteristics such as seismicity, soil geology, anthropogenic and demographic factors, distance from settlements, transport infrastructure, energy parameters, and logistical accessibility. These factors formed the basis of the overall suitability assessment.”
Local residents expressed their support for the project, noting its importance for creating new jobs, developing infrastructure, and reducing the energy deficit in the region and across the country.
The results of the hearings will be submitted for consideration to the Almaty Regional Maslikhat.
“We support the construction of the second NPP because it will open new opportunities for our community, create jobs, and help address energy supply issues. The project will contribute to infrastructure development and ensure stability for future generations,” said Bagdat Bayshaluly Aliyev, Chairman of the Public Council of the Zhambyl District.
The development of nuclear energy in Kazakhstan is viewed as a strategically important direction. Amid the global transition to low-carbon energy, nuclear generation is considered a reliable and environmentally friendly energy source.
At present, engineering and survey work is underway at the site of the planned first nuclear power plant “Balkhash”, and the discussion of the second plant project is a logical next step in implementing the national energy strategy aimed at strengthening the country’s energy security.
