New possible location for the construction of the third NPP in Kazakhstan announced

Tengrinews.kz — Kazakhstan is considering several potential sites for the construction of a third nuclear power plant, including the country's eastern, western, and northern regions. This was announced by Almasadam Satkaliyev, the Minister of Energy.

According to Satkaliyev, Kazakhstan’s plans include the construction of at least three nuclear power plants. The first two are tentatively slated for the Zhambyl district of the Almaty region. This area is considered the most suitable based on geological, hydrological, and other technical assessments.

Several locations are being evaluated for the third plant, including Kurchatov in East Kazakhstan, the Caspian Sea coast, and the country's northern regions.

"We are studying the Kurchatov site in East Kazakhstan and a site in West Kazakhstan on the shores of the Caspian Sea. Additionally, following recommendations from the national grid operator KEGOC, we are looking at a site in Northern Kazakhstan. This includes the region along the Tobol River, which provides the necessary levels of cooling water," Satkaliyev stated.

He added that the site selection process will account for growing electricity demand and the potential for using medium-capacity reactors. These units could not only provide electricity to consumers but also supply heat and, in some cases, be used for water desalination.

All potential sites are scheduled for further study during the upcoming stages of Kazakhstan's nuclear energy development program.

Nuclear Power in Kazakhstan

The decision to build the nuclear power plant followed a national referendum, held on October 6, 2024. According to official results, the initiative was supported by 5,561,937 Kazakhstani citizens, or 71.12 percent of those who voted.

In June 2025, Rosatom was selected to lead an international consortium for the construction of the first nuclear power plant.

In August of that same year, engineering surveys began near the village of Ulken in the Almaty region, where specialists took initial soil samples for study. Tengrinews.kz correspondents previously reported on how the launch of the project could transform the life of the village.

The first Kazakhstani nuclear power plant was later named the Balkhash Nuclear Power Plant. The active phase of construction was previously scheduled to begin in 2027.