Kazakhstan Awards Russia, China Contracts for Nuclear Power Plants

Kazakhstan awards nuclear power projects to both Russia and China, aiming to meet future energy demands with two new plants. Uzbekistan revises its nuclear strategy to include a larger NPP alongside a smaller plant, addressing the growing need for energy in the region. Both nations emphasize the importance of nuclear energy for sustainability and security.

Kazakhstan has recently made the strategic decision to allocate nuclear power plant (NPP) contracts to both Russia and China, an effort to balance relations with these two major partners. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has emphasized the necessity for Kazakhstan to develop two or more nuclear plants to meet energy demands while maintaining low emissions. The selection of these countries marks a significant development in Kazakhstan’s energy strategy.

The Kazakh atomic energy agency made the announcement on June 14, designating Russia’s Rosatom and China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) to lead separate construction consortiums. Kazakhstan aims to develop 2.4 gigawatts of nuclear energy capacity by the year 2035. Notably, the agency described Rosatom’s submission as the “most optimal and advantageous” for its first NPP project, while CNNC will undertake the second. Initial talks have commenced to secure Russian state export financing for this venture.

Rosatom’s CEO, Alexei Likhachev, confirmed that the first facility will incorporate two VVER-1200 Generation 3+ reactors, technology already utilized in various countries, including Russia. The location for this facility will be the village of Ulken, situated approximately 400 kilometers northwest of Almaty. However, specific details regarding costs, timelines, and other consortium members have yet to be disclosed. Several firms from France and South Korea also presented bids for these projects.

Kazakhstan, recognized as a key uranium supplier, has not utilized nuclear power since the closure of the Soviet-era BN-350 reactor in 1999. Presently, the nation’s energy mix is heavily reliant on coal-fired plants, supplemented by hydro and renewables. A nationwide referendum held in October 2023, prompted by President Tokayev, indicated public support for the advancement of nuclear energy in Kazakhstan.

Meanwhile, Uzbekistan is reshaping its own approach to nuclear power. Recent reports from Russian media outlets detail plans for a new large NPP alongside a smaller facility that utilizes small modular reactor (SMR) technology. Although officials from Rosatom and Uzatom have not yet commented on these adjustments, Uzbekistan has continually stressed a growing need for large nuclear reactors to meet future energy demands.

Energy Minister Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov mentioned that while the initiative would start with smaller reactors, it is crucial for the nation to incorporate larger reactors to meet targets of 40% renewable energy by 2030. This raises questions about the renewable status of nuclear energy, given that uranium resources are finite, yet NPPs contribute to zero-emission energy outputs.

In a recent interview with the YouTube channel Alter Ego, Azim Akhmedkhadzhaev, director of Uzatom, noted that Uzbekistan will need four large NPPs in order to address surging electricity demands. Back in March, Uzatom and Rosatom engaged in discussions about location, design, and future objectives for a high-capacity nuclear facility, aiming to enhance energy security and sustainability.

In May 2024, both Uzatom and Rosatom formally signed an agreement to construct a low-power nuclear facility in Uzbekistan featuring six Russian-made “mini nuke” RITM-200N reactors. These reactors, adapted from maritime technology, boast a thermal capacity of 190 MW and can produce 55 MW of electricity, with operational lifespans extending up to 60 years.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev declared the SMR initiative as “vital” for the economic growth of Uzbekistan, especially given the country’s existing uranium resources, which are currently being exported instead of utilized domestically. The larger plant, along with the SMR facility planned for the Jizzakh region, has been under consideration for a considerable period, with an expected six-year construction timeline upon approval.

In conclusion, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are ambitiously advancing their nuclear energy strategies, with Kazakhstan awarding NPP contracts to Russia and China while Uzbekistan adjusts its plans to build a large facility in addition to a smaller plant. As energy demands rise, both nations are recognizing the importance of nuclear power in achieving energy security and sustainability. These developments will undoubtedly reshape the energy landscape in Central Asia, heralding a new era of nuclear energy initiatives in the region.

Original Source: www.intellinews.com

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