Kazakhstan's planned nuclear plant estimated at $14 billion -  Atomic AgencyA nuclear power plant of the scale planned for Kazakhstan would cost at least $14 billion to build based on global benchmarks, the head of the country's Atomic Energy Agency said Friday.Almasadam Satkaliyev told reporters the final price for Kazakhstan's future nuclear facility will depend on feasibility studies, though vendors have already provided preliminary estimates through competitive bidding processes."World practice shows a plant of this level costs around $14 billion at minimum," Satkaliyev said following a parliamentary session, noting current figures remain confidential under nondisclosure agreements.The announcement comes after Kazakhstan's 2024 national referendum approved nuclear power development. Earlier this month, officials confirmed Russia's Rosatom will build the first plant while considering China's CNNC for a second facility.Newly signed roadmaps outline plans for two Russian-designed VVER-1200 reactors, with construction expected to take 11 years for completion by 2035-36. Kazakhstan seeks Russian export financing for the first plant and aims to finalize required intergovernmental agreements by November 2025.The energy ministry plans to complete a master plan for three nuclear facilities by mid-2025 as part of a broader nuclear cluster development strategy. (ICE ALMATY)

Fonte notizia: INTERFAX