Kazakhstan is considering three broad locations for a third nuclear power plant: Kurchatov in the east, the Caspian coast in the west, and an area near the Tobol River in the north.
Officials say no site has been chosen. Atomic Energy Agency chairman Almasadam Satkaliyev named the options on November 13 at a conference in Antalya. He said the northern site was being considered after grid operator KEGOC recommended it.
The choice will depend on expected regional electricity demand, ground and water conditions, and access to water for cooling. Officials are also considering reactors with medium power capacity. These reactors could provide heat.
In some locations, they could also help remove salt from water and generate electricity. Kazakhstan’s nuclear strategy calls for at least three plants by 2050. The location of the third project is still being studied.
The first two plants are provisionally planned for Zhambyl District in Almaty Region. Satkaliyev said construction of the first plant could begin in 2027 if legal requirements are met. Negotiations and preparations are continuing.