According to Timur Zhantikin, General Director of Kazakhstan Nuclear Power Plants LLP, the estimated cost of building a nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan ranges from $10 billion to $15 billion, El.kz reports.
Zhantikin stressed that work is currently underway to identify sources of financing for the project, mainly among international financial institutions.
Zhantikin explained that the nuclear power plant project at this stage is considered commercial and is planned without state interference.
"Since this is the first station, it will cost $10-15 billion. Sources of funding are currently being identified, and they mainly come from international financial institutions. There are certain conditions that are taken into account," he said.
Zhantikin clarified that the projects under consideration involve the use of pressurized water reactors. This type of reactor is the most common and reliable in the world, has a high level of safety and acceptable economic indicators.
As for the timing of the project, Zhantikin pointed out that the development of documentation will take place in two stages and will take about five years. At the first stage, which will last about 1.5-2 years, a feasibility study will be developed. Then, upon receipt of a positive decision from the government, the development of design estimates and the construction of a nuclear power plant will begin, which will also take about five years.
"We hope that by 2035 the station will be launched," Zhantikin concluded, adding that at the moment the construction of a station near the village of Ulken in Balkhash is being considered.