The cost could reach $15 billion! China's nuclear power opportunity: Astana, Kazakhstan hosts a seminar to discuss the location of the first nuclear power plant.

Editor's note: Timur Zhandykin, head of Kazatomprom, said that building the country's first nuclear power plant might cost up to $15 billion.

"The initial station cost is between $10 billion and $15 billion. Because it is the first one. We are currently exploring funding sources, mainly involving international financial institutions. The project is still considered a commercial activity and is not subject to government intervention. Therefore, there are specific conditions," Timur Zhandykin said on Vlast website on December 21, 2024.

Due to the location near Almaty Oblast, which borders China and involves cross-border rivers, building a nuclear power plant requires China's consent. Currently, Russian, Chinese, French, and South Korean nuclear enterprises have become potential contractors.

Among the four countries, China and Russia have the greatest opportunities, with China having the biggest advantage, which is logistics; France will participate but its share will not be large; South Korea has the highest probability of being eliminated, as compensation, South Korea may participate in the second nuclear power plant (Abay Oblast, according to local media reports).

According to Akorda Press on May 19th, Astana is hosting a five-day seminar to discuss the location of Kazakhstan's first nuclear power plant, with representatives from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) participating.

This seminar invited representatives from the IAEA, the Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, the National Nuclear Energy Agency, and experts from "Kazakhstan Nuclear Power Plant" LLC.

The seminar will discuss the IAEA-recommended international standards and principles for the location of nuclear power plants.

Rinat Okasov, deputy general manager of "Kazakhstan Nuclear Power Plant" LLC, said that the seminar aims to scientifically explore the specific location in Ulegen Village, Almaty Oblast, suitable for the construction of a nuclear power plant.

"This area is located in the Jambul District of Almaty Oblast, Ulegen Village. The next key step is to directly determine the specific construction site of the power station. For this reason, we request the experience of IAEA experts in site selection, taking into account human, technical, and other factors. We believe that this knowledge will help us choose the construction site of the nuclear power plant," he said.

He also said: "For many years, we have been studying Kurchatov City and Ulegen Village. Now more in-depth research is needed, including engineering and technical work. In addition, seismic analysis, meteorological analysis, soil and water quality analysis are also required, and even the socio-economic factors of local residents are being studied in depth."

At the opening ceremony of the seminar, Asheet Mahametbetov, vice president of the National Nuclear Energy Agency, and Lee Hyun-woo, head of the IAEA expert group, emphasized the importance of handling nuclear safety issues in an integrated manner.

"We prioritize nuclear safety, protection, and transparency issues. Kazakhstan strictly follows IAEA standards and best international practices," Asheet Mahametbetov said.

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1832536589079619/

Disclaimer: This article only represents the author's personal views.