Kazakhstan's 1st NPP construction to cost $16.4 bln

ASTANA. May 28 (Interfax) - The construction of Kazakhstan's first nuclear power plant, Balkhash, is estimated at $16.4 billion, Kazakh Atomic Energy Agency head Almasadam Satkaliyev said.

"We're talking about a fairly large amount of financing. Two units themselves cost $16.5 billion and approximately $2 billion for the physical safety system and social infrastructure," Satkaliyev told reporters in the lobbies of the Independence Palace in Astana.

"Financing for the project will be provided through an export loan from Russia," he added.

The agency's press service later said that Satkaliyev had misspoken. "The bulk of the funds - approximately $14.4 billion - is being allocated to build power units, with another $2 billion for infrastructure, safety systems, and fuel for the warranty period. The total project cost is approximately $16.4 billion," the press service said.

As reported, Russia and Kazakhstan agreed on the terms of cooperation to build the NPP and on a Russian export loan for the project.