Kazakhstan is one of the world’s greatest uranium producers. Now has taken another step: its first nuclear power plant

In the geopolitical board of energy, the domain is not only measured in oil barrels or cubic meters of gas. There is a resource, silent but powerful, which is redefining the current panorama: uranium. While some countries look desperately reduce your energy dependenceothers have understood that true power lies in controlling not only the raw material, but the entire nuclear cycle.

Russia has already taken the lead with A dozen centrals Under construction, but now Its largest supplier He also wants to become a strategic actor.

New actor. Kazakhstan has decided to accelerate its nuclear development to address its growing shortage of energy. The government has approved the construction of Your first nuclear power plant and a plan to expand its nuclear industry. A referendum in October 2024 showed that 70% Voters support the construction of nuclear plants.

This first nuclear power plant will be located in the village of ülken, in the Almath region. The government intends to build at least three more floors to make the most of its resources. Currently, feasibility studies and negotiations with international suppliers are being carried out to determine the technical and financial details of the project. The main financing will come from a Russian government loan with subsidies, and Samruk Energo It will lead the negotiations to guarantee cost efficiency.

Energy shortage. The Kazakh country wants to reduce its energy dependence and face a growing internal demand. Despite being one of the countries with greater uranium reservesIt does not have an operational nuclear power plant since 1999. However, it manufactures pumping equipment for nuclear plants and seeks to expand the national production of reactor components and energy equipment. This strategy is aligned with the objectives of carbon neutrality and industrial modernization.

An energy cluster. The government seeks to develop a “Nuclear cluster” that not only includes the energy plant, but also the local production of nuclear fuel. To do this, he has formed alliances with China and France. In addition, for nuclear reactors, it will have technology suppliers such as the Galo and South Korean country.

The central will probably have a capacity of at least 3 GW, and more plants will be built in the future. Kazakhstan will also strengthen its electrical networks and better connect the western region with the national system.

So what happens to Russia? The Kremlin remains an important actor in the global nuclear sector and has supplied Kazakhstan nuclear technology in the past. However, within the country, the concern that an agreement with Rosatom (the Russian nuclear agency) generates excessive dependence, both in technological and financial terms. The opposition has expressed fears that Russia use nuclear energy as an instrument of geopolitical influence.

Problems in the past. Nuclear energy in the country has constituted a delicate issue due to the effects of Soviet nuclear tests in the region of Semipalatinsk. For that reason, as indicated Professor Kashi Nath Pandita, concerns about security and lack of transparency in regulatory processes are brought on the path of progress.

Forecasts The project can be finished in the next decade, but advance it. However, the country still faces different challenges such as public distrust, environmental concerns and the need to choose a technological partner without compromising its independence. In the long term, this expansion could position Kazakhstan as an energy leader in Central Asia, reducing its vulnerability to regional energy instability and strengthening its presence in global competition for the control of energy resources.

Image | Unspash

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