OREANDA-NEWS. June 19, 2009.  The preparations for the construction of a nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan may be completed this year, says Director General of Rosatom State Nuclear Energy Corporation Sergey Kiriyenko.

He says that presently Russia and Kazakhstan are holding relevant consultations.

“We have made all necessary preparations and there are no more obstacles, the technical project and the obligations of the parties are clear.”

“Now we have to specify Kazakhstan’s needs. The point is that the project was drafted before the crisis. So, now we have to decide when we will need it in terms of economic expediency and our financial capacities.”

Russia will provide knowledge, technologies and conditions, Kazakhstan will provide financing. “The joint venture will own the reactor and will be able to sell it not only in Kazakhstan or Russia.”

Kiriyenko says that now Kazatomprom is changing its management and will need time for reconsidering its programs.

“There are no obstacles to the conclusion of the final agreement. We will understand if our Kazakh partners put off the deadlines because of the crisis but we will be glad if they will not.”

 “We are planning to complete the preparations this year, after which we will be ready for signing the final contract.”