Engineering surveys launched in Ulken mark the first stage of a project that will result in the construction of a modern, high-capacity nuclear power plant
On August 8, 2025, in the village of Ulken (Zhambyl District, Almaty Region, Kazakhstan), the initial work began on the nuclear power plant (NPP) construction project – engineering surveys to determine the optimal site and prepare design documentation for the future high-capacity NPP. The event was attended by Director General of the Russian State Corporation Rosatom Alexey Likhachev, Chairman of the Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan for Atomic Energy Almasadam Satkaliyev, and Akim of Almaty Region Marat Sultangaziyev.
Specialists from Rosatom’s Engineering Division started drilling the first exploratory borehole and soil sampling. These studies will assess seismic stability, hydrogeological features, and other parameters of the area, which are essential for the safety and reliability of the future plant. A total of at least 50 boreholes, each between 30 and 120 metres deep, will be drilled during this stage. A final decision on the nuclear power plant’s exact location will be made based on the survey results.
“The launch of engineering surveys in Ulken marks the beginning of the journey toward the first high-capacity nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan’s modern history. At this stage, we are focusing on a thorough study of the site to be fully confident in its suitability for a future nuclear plant. Rosatom is ready to apply all its accumulated experience to implement this strategically important project for Kazakhstan’s development,” said Alexey Likhachev, Director General of Rosatom.