Russia’s state nuclear corporation Rosatom is helping Kazakhstan draw up a roadmap as the government in Astana prepares for the construction of its first commercial nuclear power station.

Media reports in the central Asian country quoted prime minister Alikhan Smailov as saying Kazakhstan wants to develop the nuclear project “together with companies that boast the world’s most cutting-edge technologies in that respect”.

Smailov was also reported as saying it is “not a foregone conclusion” that Rosatom will build the nuclear power station. He said a decision on the choice of technology supplier is expected this year.

Commissioning of a first plant is potentially earmarked for 2035.