Kazakhstan has designated the Zhambyl district in the Almaty region, close to the border witrh Kyrgyzstan in the south of the country, as the site for its first nuclear power station, according to a government decree, reported by local media.

Reports said the decision was announced by prime minister Olzhas Bektenov, who said an approved decree confirming Zhambyl as the site took effect on 30 December 2024.

Press reports in Kazakhstan said the exact location for the planned nuclear station has not been announced, but it is expected to be near the village of Ulken.