Kazakhstan's first nuclear plant advances with EPC contract signed Sept 3

September 28, 2026 at 04:00 PM2 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

Kazakhstan's first nuclear power plant project moved to the practical stage with the signing of an EPC contract on September 3. Engineering surveys at the site are ongoing, with field work completed and a year-long observation cycle ending in November-December. The company plans to submit a site safety justification report and obtain a siting license in 2027.

Key Facts

Kazakhstan signed an EPC contract with the Russian side on September 3, moving the first nuclear power plant project to the practical stage.
Engineering surveys at the future plant site are ongoing, with field work completed and a year-long observation cycle ending in November-December.
The company plans to prepare a site safety justification report and obtain a siting license in 2027.
At peak construction, the plant will require 10,000-12,000 workers, and about 1,800 employees for subsequent operation.
Kazakhstan accounts for about 40% of global uranium production and already produces fuel pellets and fuel assemblies for nuclear power plants.

Project Status

The EPC contract signed on September 3 with the Russian side defines the transition of the project to the practical implementation stage. Engineering surveys at the site of the future nuclear power plant are continuing, according to Yernat Berdigulov, General Director of Kazakhstan Atomic Electric Stations LLP. Field work has been completed, and the company will finish a year-long observation cycle for certain parameters in November-December. In 2027, the company plans to prepare a report on the safety justification of the site and obtain a license for the placement of the facility.

Workforce and Training

At the peak of construction, one nuclear power plant will require about 10,000-12,000 workers. For subsequent operation of the station, according to KAZES estimates, about 1,800 employees will be needed. Of these, about 400 will be administrative personnel and about 1,400 will be people with specialized education. Future specialists already receive basic education in Kazakhstani universities, with additional training at the general contractor's technical academies and internships at operating nuclear power plants. The EPC contract also provides for the construction of a training center.

Uranium Industry Position

Kazakhstan maintains strong positions in the global uranium industry, accounting for about 40% of world uranium production. The country already produces fuel pellets and fuel assemblies for nuclear power plants.