Kazakhstan Awards Russia, China Nuclear Plant Projects; Uzbekistan Revises Plans for Large Facility

Kazakhstan has awarded nuclear power plant contracts to Russia and China to meet future energy demands sustainably, targeting a capacity of 2.4 gigawatts by 2035. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan is revising its nuclear plans to include a larger facility alongside a smaller one, responding to rising electricity consumption and emphasizing the importance of nuclear energy for its economic growth.

Kazakhstan is making strides in nuclear energy by awarding contracts for two nuclear power plants (NPPs)—one each to Russia and China. This move reflects President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s commitment to expanding Kazakhstan’s energy output in a sustainable manner, promoting low-to-no emissions. The Kazakh Atomic Energy Agency announced the decision on June 14, stating that the nation aims to boost its nuclear capacity by 2.4 gigawatts by the year 2035.

In a dual selection process, Rosatom will oversee the first plant while the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) takes charge of the second. This thoughtful distribution ensures Kazakhstan maintains good relations with both its powerful neighbors. The Kazakh government believes that these plants are essential for meeting future energy demands, especially given the country’s previous reliance on coal and limited nuclear production since the closure of the BN-350 reactor back in 1999.

As for the specifics, Rosatom’s proposal was deemed the most advantageous for the first plant, featuring two VVER-1200 Generation 3+ reactors, a type of technology already in use in Russia and elsewhere. However, details regarding costs, construction timelines, or additional consortium members have not been clarified yet.

Meanwhile, Uzbekistan is tweaking its plans for nuclear production, aiming to incorporate a larger facility alongside a smaller one currently planned, which will utilize small modular reactor (SMR) technology. Reports on the updates have emerged from Russian media channels TASS and Interfax, quoting sources from the Russian Ministry of Economic Development.

Officials in Uzbekistan see the development of NPPs as critical for meeting growing energy needs, with Energy Minister Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov advocating for both small and large reactors to support the country’s ambitious energy targets—namely, a 40% shift to renewable sources by 2030. The terms of whether nuclear power qualifies as renewable remain a complex debate, yet its low emissions position it favorably in the context of climate change.

On record, Uzatom director Azim Akhmedkhadzhaev has indicated that Uzbekistan may require up to four large reactors to adequately support future electricity demands, especially as consumption continues to escalate. Just last March, technical discussions between Uzatom and Rosatom covered various parameters such as site selection and strategic goals for the power plant, designed to enhance stability and security in Uzbekistan’s energy landscape.

In addition to the larger plants, a contract signed in May 2024 for a low-power NPP, using six Russian water-cooled reactors derived from maritime applications, underscores Uzbekistan’s push for nuclear capabilities. This reactor, named RITM-200N, boasts a thermal output of 190 MW, facilitating the generation of 55 MW of electrical power, while promising a lifespan of up to 60 years.

Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has openly characterized this SMR initiative as crucial for national economic growth, noting the rich uranium resources that currently are often exported rather than utilized within the country. Presently, the project for the larger plant, which shares its goals with the SMR facility planned for the Jizzakh region, has been on the table for six years, with an anticipated construction phase lasting six years once it receives clearance.

Both Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are taking significant steps to position themselves in the nuclear energy arena, albeit through slightly different strategies. Kazakhstan is focusing on dual collaborations with Russia and China to expand its nuclear capacity sustainably, while Uzbekistan is revising its approach by integrating larger reactor projects into its energy plans. The increased reliance on nuclear energy is a crucial part of both countries’ strategies to meet future energy demands while reducing carbon emissions. The potential economic benefits, especially regarding domestic uranium resources, further underscore the significance of these developments in Central Asia.

Original Source: www.intellinews.com

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