Russia to Build Kazakhstan’s First Nuclear Power Plant

Russia and Kazakhstan signed an agreement on 28 May 2026 for the construction of Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant. The project is estimated at about $16.5 billion, and Russia is expected to finance around 85% through an export loan. Rosatom, Russia’s state nuclear corporation, will lead the project, which will use two VVER-1200 III+ reactors.

Project Location and Reactor Type

The plant will be built in the village of Ulken on the shores of Lake Balkhash in south-eastern Kazakhstan. The VVER-1200 is a pressurised water reactor design used in Russia and in several overseas nuclear projects. The III+ designation refers to a Generation III+ reactor class with enhanced safety systems.

Timeline and Capacity Plan

Construction is projected to begin in 2027. The first reactor is expected to be commissioned in early 2034 or in the mid-2030s. Kazakhstan has set a target of 2.4 gigawatts of nuclear capacity by 2035. The country is the world’s largest uranium producer.

Domestic Participation and Public Support

Kazakhstan’s government approved a plan on 14 May 2026 to raise domestic participation in the nuclear industry to 30% before construction. The plan aims to generate 4 billion to 4.5 billion in local production and contracts. A 2024 referendum in Kazakhstan recorded 71% public support for constructing a nuclear power plant.

Important Facts for Exams

• Rosatom is the state nuclear corporation of the Russian Federation.
• VVER stands for water-water energetic reactor, a Russian pressurised water reactor design.
• Lake Balkhash is one of the largest lakes in Central Asia.
• Kazakhstan ranks as the world’s largest producer of uranium.