Russia and Kazakhstan have agreed to build their first nuclear power plant – Reuters
Moscow and Astana have signed an intergovernmental agreement on the construction of a nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan. The document outlining the main terms of cooperation was signed during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s state visit to Kazakhstan. The agreement also provides for a Russian export credit to finance the project, according to Reuters.
Following last year’s tender, the Russian state-owned corporation Rosatom was selected to lead an international consortium for the construction of Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant. Kazakhstan plans to actively develop its nuclear energy sector and intends to build at least three nuclear power plants by 2050. Astana has commissioned China’s CNNC to build the second nuclear power plant.
Rosatom proposed using VVER-1200 “Generation 3+” reactors at the plant. The plant is expected to consist of two 1.2-gigawatt power units, which are scheduled to be commissioned in the mid-2030s. The plant, named Balkhash, will be built near the lake of the same name.
Rosatom head Alexei Likhachev announced yesterday that major construction work could begin in 2027. He also did not rule out the involvement of suppliers from China, France, or South Korea in the consortium—with whom Kazakhstan has already held talks—but said that Russia would manufacture the key equipment for the nuclear power plant.
Russian dictator Putin arrived in Astana on a state visit, where he was met at the airport by Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
As a reminder, a moment where Putin was unable to say “Hurrah!” was edited out of broadcasts in Russia.
In Russia, Central Bank employees will be allowed to carry weapons for protection against drones.
