Kazakhstan Plans Three Nuclear Power Plants by 2035

Kazakhstan is moving forward with plans to construct its first nuclear power plant (NPP) in the Almaty region, following a referendum in which over 70% of voters supported the initiative. The government aims to address anticipated energy shortages by 2035 and has set a target to establish a workforce of at least 2,000 specialists, with universities already training around 1,000 students in nuclear engineering. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has proposed expanding this initiative to include two additional NPPs as part of a broader strategy for energy self-sufficiency. The government plans to finalize agreements for the first plant's construction, emphasizing the need for a nuclear cluster to enhance energy security. Kazakhstan has previously operated a nuclear power plant but has since relied on coal due to its abundant reserves. The new plants are seen as a necessary solution to aging infrastructure and environmental concerns.