Kazakhstan has stated its general desire to grow and develop its nuclear power capacity, and the United States has already begun to lend its assistance.

Through a statement issued by the U.S. Embassy in Astana, the U.S. government has agreed to help train Kazakh specialists in the operation of small modular nuclear reactors. This will start with the United States providing Kazakhstan with a small modular nuclear reactor simulator, which will be allocated to Kazakhstan’s Institute of Nuclear Physics.

Furthermore, Sargent & Lundy, which is a major U.S. energy company, will carry out a feasibility study for the construction of small modular nuclear reactors in Kazakhstan. This means that specific locations will be studied and shortlisted to assess the feasibility of U.S. small modular reactor construction.

For now, Kazakhstan already has agreements in place with China and Russia to build and develop large-scale reactors. Although there has been no specific announcement from the Kazakh government regarding its intention to build small modular reactors, it is very telling that the intention exists through the deal between the U.S. and Kazakhstan.

According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, small modular nuclear reactors have a per-unit generating capacity of about 300 megawatts per year. In contrast, this is estimated to be around one third of the annual generating capability of large-scale reactors. Although they generate less, the benefit is that they are cheaper and quicker to develop due to their modular specifications. Another positive that is seemingly key to Kazakhstan’s interest is that they can be placed and constructed in locations that would not be suitable for larger-scale reactors.

The International Atomic Energy Agency has also stated that small modular nuclear reactors tend to be safer to operate due to their reliance on passive systems and comparatively low fuel requirements.

Politically, this also shows signs that Kazakhstan wishes to diversify its cooperation by making a deal with the United States. This is bound to frustrate Russian lawmakers, especially as they view Kazakhstan as within their sphere of influence and part of the wider Russian world. There is also seemingly interest in small modular nuclear reactors from other Central Asian countries seeking to further develop their nuclear power capabilities. This also highlights a potential lack of confidence in Russia’s nuclear energy entity, Rosatom, and its ability to deliver on projected timelines related to constructing large-scale reactors in the country.

Kazakhstan is eager to get its nuclear energy sector up and running, especially as it is currently operating with an electrical energy deficit. Due to rapid industrial growth and further urbanisation, the requirements for a stable baseload of power are increasing. This is especially true for other sectors of industry, such as mining and manufacturing. The interest in further developing nuclear energy is also a signal to diversify reliance on coal for power. Kazakhstan’s electricity generation currently stands at an estimated 60–70% reliance on coal, and with aging technology, stability and efficiency are becoming concerns. Much like other Central Asian states, there is also an emphasis on further nuclear energy expansion due to energy dependency that can be overcome through long-term energy security and the development of stable self-reliance to reduce energy imports from neighbouring states, especially during periods of stress such as the winter months.