Tengrinews.kz — Kazakhstan plans to assess how feasible it would be to use nuclear power plants with small modular reactors (SMRs), including as replacements for outdated thermal power plants. This is provided for in the Atomic Industry Development Strategy through 2050, approved by the President, according to the Atomic Energy Agency.
As part of the strategy’s implementation, Kazakhstan plans to conduct a technical and economic analysis of the applicability of SMRs, taking into account regional characteristics, reliability requirements, and project economics.
In addition, the country intends to identify potential areas for their deployment, including energy-deficient regions and areas with underdeveloped power grid infrastructure, as well as consider the possibility of replacing obsolete thermal power plants.
The strategy is a long-term document that defines the goals and directions of state policy in the field of the peaceful use of nuclear energy. It is aimed at ensuring energy security, sustainable economic growth, the development of high-tech industries, and fulfillment of climate commitments.
Photo: gov.kz
The document continues earlier decisions: at the end of 2024, Kazakhstanis supported the construction of a nuclear power plant in a national referendum. Overall, the strategy envisions the formation of a nuclear cluster in Kazakhstan through the development of energy, science, technology, safety systems, workforce training, and job creation.
Earlier, Kazakhstan also made a final decision on the site for its second nuclear power plant. Like the first one, it will be built in the Zhambyl district of the Almaty region.
