Russia and Astana to sign deals for Kazakhstan's first nuclear power plant

Russia and Kazakhstan are poised to sign key agreements for the development of Kazakhstan's inaugural nuclear power plant, according to Alexey Likhachev, the Director General of Russia's state nuclear corporation, Rosatom. Likhachev confirmed that the necessary intergovernmental agreements are prepared for signing during the upcoming state visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to Astana.

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For Vladimir Putin's visit to Astana, two intergovernmental agreements concerning the construction of the first nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan have been prepared.

These agreements are comprehensive, encompassing both the construction of the nuclear facility and its financing, including the provision of a loan. Additionally, a separate contract is ready, detailing the plant's cost, implementation timeline, and provisions for the involvement of Kazakh companies in the project. Likhachev emphasized that the plant is expected to commence operations within the next decade.

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A construction agreement for the nuclear power plant and its financing, including the provision of a loan, is ready for signing. The parties have also agreed on the text of the contract, which will specify the price, implementation schedule, and provisions for the participation of Kazakh companies in the project.

Significant preparatory work will be required over the coming years. This includes establishing the construction foundation, developing human resources, securing all necessary permits within Kazakhstan, and training Kazakh contractors to operate nuclear facilities in accordance with stringent Russian safety norms and requirements. President Putin's visit to Kazakhstan, which began Wednesday, also includes participation in a meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Union Council.

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The nuclear power plant will begin operating within the next decade, but during these years, we must, together with our Kazakh partners, create the construction base, prepare human resources, obtain all necessary permits in Kazakhstan, and teach Kazakh contractors to operate nuclear facilities in accordance with our safety standards and requirements.