Kazakhstan Names Possible Sites for Third Nuclear Power Plant

Kurchatov in eastern Kazakhstan and the country's western regions are being considered as possible sites for a third nuclear power plant. Almasadam Satkaliyev, chairman of the Atomic Energy Agency, made the statement, as reported by Kazinform.

According to Satkaliyev, the potential sites were identified based on preliminary studies. The west already has operating experience with the BN-350 reactor, which ran at the Mangistau Energy Complex in Aktau until it was shut down in the late 1990s; its phased decommissioning is ongoing. Kurchatov hosts specialists and scientific infrastructure of the nuclear industry.

Medium-capacity reactors of 300 to 600 megawatts are being considered for the third plant. Besides generating electricity, the station is expected to provide heating and water desalination. No final decision on the location has been made yet. Kazakhstan has said it plans to build at least three nuclear plants by 2050.