French media: China has an advantage in the plan for the second nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan announces the plan for the second nuclear power plant in Almaty: China's contract will gain this advantage. Kazakhstan's nuclear ambitions are moving eastward, enhancing the power of Moscow and Beijing, while leaving little room for Europe.

Kazakhstan has determined the location for the construction of the second nuclear power plant in the Almaty region. Negotiations with potential suppliers are currently underway, and China will be considered a "preferred contractor". This information was announced by the chairman of the Kazakh Atomic Energy Agency, Almaasat Aytbaev, during a briefing at the lower house of parliament (Mazhilis) earlier this month.

Aytbaev stated at the briefing: "Our second power plant will also be built in the southern part of the country, where there is currently an energy shortage. The new power plant will ensure a reliable and stable energy supply."

The first nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan, located in the village of Urken in the Almaty region, has already started construction. The project contract has been awarded to the Russian state-owned nuclear energy company Rosatom.

This Russian company will build two VVER-1200 nuclear power plants, with an estimated construction period of about 11 years. The investment in this nuclear power plant is expected to be between 14 billion and 15 billion US dollars, but this figure may be adjusted.

China's priority

Mr. Aytbaev confirmed that negotiations with all potential suppliers and bidders are ongoing. It is reported that several international companies have shown interest in this project.

In most of the candidate companies that were involved in the first project, China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) seems to have an advantage.

Mr. Aytbaev explained: "Regarding CNNC, we have not made a final decision yet. However, according to the submitted proposals, we consider CNNC as a preferred contractor." CNNC is proposing to use its HPR1000 reactor, also known as the "China Dragon One", an advanced nuclear technology with a service life of 60 years and an availability of over 90%.

Energy security is the top priority

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan has repeatedly emphasized the importance of energy security and independence as strategic priorities, most recently during the 2025 Kazakhstan Energy Cycle.

Mr. Tokayev highlighted major projects aimed at enhancing energy resilience and emphasized the "significant contributions" of international partners to these "important measures".

Additionally, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has approved the construction of another nuclear power plant near the town of Kurchatov in the East Kazakhstan region of Abay.

Under Mr. Tokayev's instructions, given Kazakhstan's favorable position in the global uranium market, the country's energy security strategy seems firmly rooted in nuclear energy and considers it a key element of the energy transition.

Reviving nuclear energy

Kazakhstan is the world's largest producer of uranium, with reserves accounting for about 12% of the global total. However, since the closure of the Semipalatinsk Test Site in the 1990s, the country has not operated any nuclear facilities.

Despite the painful memories associated with the test site, the country faces increasing energy demand. Authorities maintain that reviving nuclear power is crucial to reduce dependence on imported fuel and fossil fuels.

Kazakhstan currently imports electricity from Russia to make up for its electricity gap. Recent reports show that the gap between electricity production and consumption in the country has reached record levels, forcing it to fill the gap through electricity imports.

The country's energy structure remains heavily dependent on fossil fuels, with coal accounting for about 50% of energy demand and electricity production. The government aims to diversify its energy supply by developing nuclear power and increasing renewable energy capacity.

What about Europe?

Although Kazakh officials insist that no final decision has been made, China's clear advantage may discourage European competitors, who were excluded from previous tenders.

EDF (Electricité de France) was the only European company shortlisted to build the first nuclear power plant, but despite various diplomatic efforts, it ultimately lost the contract.

At that time, the Kazakh Atomic Energy Agency emphasized the comprehensiveness of the winning proposal to justify its choice and pointed out that only Russia and China could independently provide comprehensive services from financing to personnel training, design, construction, and spent fuel management.

Although the EU has tried to deepen cooperation with Kazakhstan and Central Asia more broadly, these developments highlight the challenges faced by European companies in competing for major opportunities in the region.

Kazakhstan's nuclear future seems to be shaped together with its eastern partners, whose funding, technology, and political will are more consistent. For Europe, which is eager to expand its influence in Central Asia, the reality may be that no amount of diplomatic efforts can change this balance - at least not in the nuclear energy sector.

Sources: rfi

Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1845476526659584/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author.