Kazakhstan Launches Major Nuclear Power Project to Cut Emissions
Kazakhstan, a major global uranium producer, is set to embark on a significant nuclear power project. Led by RosAtom, with potential Chinese involvement, the first nuclear power plant in the Almaty region is planned. This move aims to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and lower CO2 emissions, with nuclear power expected to contribute around five percent of the national power mix by 2035.
The initiative follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on September 9, 2025, in Astana between the Kazakh Atomic Energy Agency and the German company NUKEM Technologies Engineering Services GmbH. Now part of the Russian Atomenergoprom concern, NUKEM will advise Kazakhstan on decommissioning, nuclear waste treatment, and site remediation. This collaboration is a key step in managing Kazakhstan's heavy nuclear legacy, which includes over 450 Soviet-era nuclear weapons tests and research reactors.
Kazakhstan's ambitious plans extend beyond power generation. It aims to implement high international safety and regulatory standards in its nuclear program, focusing on safety, transparency, and sustainability. International observers view this cooperation as an opportunity to make Kazakhstan a model for responsible nuclear energy management in Central Asia.
With the involvement of NUKEM Technologies, Kazakhstan is committed to a safe, transparent, and sustainable nuclear program. The country's nuclear power plans, coupled with international cooperation, aim to secure its nuclear legacy and contribute to a cleaner energy future.
