Construction of the first nuclear power plant begins in Kazakhstan

Construction of Kazakhstan's first nuclear power plant officially launched in Almaty region

This is reported by TUT.AZ with reference to Kazakh media.

The Chairman of the Atomic Energy Agency, Almasadam Satkaliyev, spoke at the ceremonial capsule-laying ceremony.

He emphasized that "the implementation of the project will allow Kazakhstan to form a new generation of highly qualified specialists, strengthen the research base, and create conditions for educational and technological breakthrough."

"The nuclear power plant will become a strategic project, a key driver for the development of the nuclear industry, regional infrastructure, industrial and innovative progress, and long-term economic growth," said Almasadam Satkaliyev, Chairman of the Atomic Energy Agency.

Almasadam Satkaliyev also noted the broad public support for the nuclear power plant construction project.

"More than 70% of the country's population supported this initiative in last year's republican referendum. The example of Ulken village is especially indicative: 97% of residents participated, and about 90% of them voted 'in favor,' which gave the project a strong public mandate," emphasized the Chairman of the Atomic Energy Agency.

Alexey Likhachev, Director General of the Rosatom State Corporation, also spoke at the ceremony.

"We have arrived at the site and launched practical work on implementing an inspiring project - creating a powerful, modern nuclear power plant in the Republic of Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan has vast experience in the nuclear field and rightfully belongs to the world's nuclear elite - not only because about 40% of the planet's uranium is mined here. Since the late 1940s, our nations have been cooperating in the field of nuclear science and technology. It was in Kazakhstan that the first industrial reactor was created," noted the head of Rosatom.

During the event, drilling rigs will take the first soil samples. The capsule with these samples will be handed over to the Russian side for research.

The significant ceremony was attended by officials, Kazakh and Russian media, as well as residents of Ulken village, near which the nuclear power plant will be built.