Astana, 22 October. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev received Almasadam Satkaliyev, chairman of the Atomic Energy Agency, and after hearing the agency's report on its work in 2026 ordered that the development of national nuclear power be kept under special control and that the tasks of the Nuclear Industry Development Strategy be carried out on time, the Akorda press service said.
Satkaliyev reported on the state of the nuclear industry and power sector. They discussed construction of the nuclear power plant, development of nuclear science and innovation, staff training and a larger share of local content in industry projects, that is, the share of Kazakh goods, works, services and specialists in a project's procurement.
Particular attention was paid to creating the Semipalatinsk nuclear safety zone, improving the system for handling radioactive waste and strengthening legislation on nuclear and radiation safety. The zone covers the territory of the former Semipalatinsk nuclear test site.
The Akorda statement gives no deadlines or figures for construction of the nuclear plant. Nor does it say which tasks of the Nuclear Industry Development Strategy are behind schedule.
What it means: The head of state heard the nuclear agency's annual report and stressed that the development of nuclear power, including construction of the plant, remains under his personal control. No new decisions, deadlines or sums were announced after the meeting.
Who benefits: The instruction concerns first of all the Atomic Energy Agency and those involved in building the plant: they are expected to deliver the Strategy without delays. Domestic suppliers and contractors can count on the emphasis on local content, but the source names no specific measures.
Background: A day earlier it emerged that special procurement rules, including purchases without tender, had been approved for the first nuclear power plant; they take effect on 30 October.
List of sources used: Akorda, Kazinform
Artificial intelligence was used in preparing this material.
