ALMATY, Aug. 8 (Xinhua) -- Construction of Kazakhstan's first nuclear power plant has officially begun near the village of Ulken in the Almaty Region, the country's Kazinform News Agency reported Friday.
According to Almassadam Satkaliyev, chairman of the Atomic Energy Agency of Kazakhstan, the project will require a total investment of 14 billion to 15 billion U.S. dollars, with an additional 1 billion dollars earmarked for social facilities and modern infrastructure.
During the launch ceremony, drilling work began to collect soil samples, which will be sent to Russia for analysis.
The plant is expected to be completed between 2035 and 2036. ■
