ASTANA, Kazakhstan, February 26. Almassadam
Satkaliev named prospective sites for the construction of the
second nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan, Trend reports
Almassadam Satkaliev, the Minister of Energy of Kazakhstan, spoke
about the plans for the construction of the second nuclear power
plant in Kazakhstan at a press conference following an expanded
board meeting in Astana.
"The government has identified prospective sites where the second
nuclear power plant could be constructed. When we talk about these
sites, it doesn't mean that we will build the plant there
specifically. In choosing the sites, we focus on the need for
regional development, the necessity to meet electricity demand, and
the need for diversifying the development of the national
electrical grid, ensuring the corresponding level of reliability,"
said the head of the Ministry of Energy.
He also named the considered sites for the nuclear power plant.
"The Balkhash site is very promising. Up to 4 units with a total
capacity of 1200 megawatts can be built there. The Kurchatov site
is also very promising – we can build 2 units with a total capacity
of 1200 megawatts. The Mayek site is also suitable for building a
nuclear power plant; it has many advantages, especially considering
that a station previously operated there. Based on system
stability, a medium-capacity nuclear plant could be placed there,"
explained Almassadam Satkaliev.
The minister did not specify the start date for construction.
"We need to finish the process for the first nuclear power plant
first. Given the large-scale energy grid construction involved, we
will need to review the energy balance, and based on that, a
decision will be made," concluded Almassadam Satkaliev.
The location for the construction of Kazakhstan's first nuclear power plant has already been announced. The nuclear power plant will be built, as previously planned, in the Zhambyl district of the Almaty region of Kazakhstan.
On October 6, 2024, a referendum was held in Kazakhstan regarding the construction of a nuclear power plant in the country. As many as 71.12 percent of Kazakh citizens voted in favor. The voter turnout was 63.66 percent.
