Based on the results of the studies, the territory of Ulken village, Zhambyl district of Almaty region was chosen as the most preferable area for the construction of a nuclear power plant. The Ministry of Energy of Kazakhstan reported.
It is noted that for the first NPP in the country it is recommended to choose a technology proven by the experience of construction and successful operation of a similar plant. Therefore, a «short list» has been drawn up, consisting of the following potential suppliers of nuclear technologies:
- Chinese company CNNC with HPR-1000 reactor;
- Korean KHNP with APR-1400 reactor;
- Russian Rosatom with VVER-1200 and VVER-1000 reactors;
- French EDF with EPR-1200 reactor.
The research results were considered and approved at a meeting of the Interdepartmental Commission for Development of Nuclear Industry in May 2022. In November 2022, at the regular session of maslikhat of Almaty region, it was decided to give consent to the construction, subject to the support of the residents of the district. Public discussions are currently underway on the issue, and public hearings will also be held at the environmental assessment stage of the project.
The distance between Ulken and Bishkek, according to Google Earth service, is a little over 250 kilometers.
