China to build second nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan has selected China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) as the leader of a consortium to build the country's second nuclear power plant.

The chairman of the Atomic Energy Agency, Almasadam Satkaliev, said that the government intends to sign a general agreement with China on cooperation in the nuclear sector. Satkaliev noted that cooperation with Beijing is one of the priorities for Astana. He also noted that there is great interest in Chinese technologies and experience for the construction of nuclear power plants.

"There are not many countries in the world that can carry out the entire nuclear cycle on their own. China is undoubtedly one of the countries that has all the necessary technologies and a complete industrial and production base," Satkaliev said.

Previously, Kazakhstan had chosen Rosatom to lead a consortium to build its first nuclear power plant.