Russia signs agreement to build first nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan
Historic Nuclear Power Deal Between Russia and Kazakhstan
ASTANA, May 28 (Reuters) - Russia signed an agreement on Thursday with Kazakhstan to build the first nuclear power plant in Central Asia's largest country.
Background and Context
Kazakhstan, the world's biggest producer of uranium and a country which suffered from the fallout from Soviet nuclear testing, has been discussing the possibility of atomic power for at least two decades.
Statements from Leaders
"The agreement signed today on the construction of the Balkhash NPP has an important role," Kazakhstan's president, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, said at a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Astana.
"I would like to thank you for your support in painting this large-scale project," Tokayev said.
Financial Arrangements
The two sides also signed an agreement on the provision of a Russian export credit to finance the construction of the plant.
Project Details and Future Plans
Location and Public Approval
Kazakhstan voted in a 2024 referendum in favour of constructing a nuclear power plant and designated the village of Ulken, on the shores of Lake Balkhash and in the southeast of the country, as the site.
Financing and Capacity
Kazakhstan's nuclear energy agency said last month that Russia would lend the country around 85% of the $15 billion cost of the nuclear power plant, which will have two reactors.
Long-Term Energy Goals
Kazakhstan, a nation of 20.5 million people, plans to have 2.4 gigawatts of nuclear capacity by 2035.
(Reporting by Tamara Vaal; Writing by Guy FaulconbridgeEditing by Andrew Osborn)
