ASTANA, Kazakhstan, October 26. South Korea has expressed readiness to engage in talks with its companies regarding the construction of nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan, Trend reports.
The issue was reviewed during Energy Minister Almassadam Satkaliyev's visit to South Korea, where he met representatives from Korea’s top energy firms and government agencies.
The Korean side congratulated Kazakhstan on the successful referendum supporting nuclear power plant construction.
Minister Satkaliyev also discussed collaboration across energy sectors, including oil, gas, and renewable projects with South Korean Minister of Trade, Industry, and Energy Dukgeun Ahn.
He engaged with prominent Korean companies - Doosan Enerbility, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP), Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO), Korea National Oil Corporation (KNOC), and Samsung C&T—to explore potential models for the nuclear project, with a final decision expected in 2025.
Meanwhile, on October 6, 2024, Kazakhstan held a referendum on constructing the country’s first nuclear power plant. The proposal received strong support, with over 71 percent voting in favor.
Following the referendum, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stated that the nuclear plant should be developed by an international consortium. Potential technology suppliers being considered include China, South Korea, Russia, and France.
In June 2022, Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Energy announced plans to build a nuclear power plant on the shores of Lake Balkhash, near the village of Ulken in the Almaty region.