SEOUL: South Korea has signaled its readiness to engage in discussions with its companies regarding the construction of a nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan. This development follows a series of meetings between Kazakh Energy Minister Almassadam Satkaliyev and representatives from South Korea’s leading energy firms and government agencies.

According to Trend News Agency, Minister Satkaliyev’s visit to South Korea included discussions on collaboration across various energy sectors such as oil, gas, and renewable projects. These talks were held with South Korean Minister of Trade, Industry, and Energy Dukgeun Ahn. The Korean side also congratulated Kazakhstan on the successful referendum supporting the construction of the nuclear power plant, which took place on October 6, 2024, and saw over 71 percent of voters in favor of the proposal.

During his visit, Minister Satkaliyev engaged with prominent Korean companies, including Doosan Enerbility, Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power (KHNP), Korea Electric Power Corporat
ion (KEPCO), Korea National Oil Corporation (KNOC), and Samsung C and T. The discussions focused on exploring potential models for the nuclear project, with a final decision expected by 2025.

Following the referendum, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized the need for the nuclear plant to be developed by an international consortium. Potential technology suppliers being considered include China, South Korea, Russia, and France. The initial plans announced by Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Energy in June 2022 indicated that the nuclear power plant would be located on the shores of Lake Balkhash, near the village of Ulken in the Almaty region.