A view shows a board with the logo of Russian atomic energy agency Rosatom at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) in Saint Petersburg, Russia June 5, 2024
Kazakhstan, a leading global uranium producer, has not operated nuclear power facilities since the BN-350 reactor on the Caspian Sea was decommissioned in 1999. Despite its significant uranium resources, the country currently relies heavily on coal-fired plants, along with limited hydroelectric power and an expanding renewable energy sector.
In a national referendum held in October and supported by the president, Kazakhstan voted in favor of constructing nuclear power plants. The government has set a target of achieving 2.4 gigawatts of nuclear energy capacity by 2035.
The newly established atomic energy agency, formed in March, described Rosatom’s proposal as “the most optimal and advantageous.” The agency also stated that efforts are underway to secure state export financing from Russia. Rosatom CEO Alexei Likhachev welcomed the announcement, saying: “Rosatom's plant will be based on the most advanced and efficient design in the world.”
The plant led by Rosatom will consist of two reactors and be located in the village of Ulken, approximately 400 kilometers northwest of Almaty. The reactors will use the VVER-1200 Generation 3+ model, a Russian nuclear technology that is in use both domestically and internationally.
Kazakhstan will also collaborate with China on nuclear development. Almasadam Satqaliev, chairman of the Kazakh atomic energy agency, confirmed plans to sign a separate agreement with CNNC for a second plant. He stated: “China is definitely one of the countries that has all the necessary technologies and the entire industrial base, and our next main priority is cooperation with China.”
Details about other participating companies, total project costs, and construction timelines have not yet been disclosed. In addition to Russian and Chinese firms, companies from France and South Korea had also submitted proposals for Kazakhstan's nuclear development plans.
Kazakhstan continues to expand energy cooperation with both Russia and China. In November, Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Kazakhstan to discuss joint projects in energy and industry. Although Kazakhstan exports most of its oil through Russia, it is also seeking new transport routes.
In February, China National Petroleum Corporation signed agreements with Kazakhstan’s national gas company to increase gas imports for 2024–2025. It also reached a deal with Tengizchevroil, a major oil consortium in Kazakhstan, for crude oil purchases. These developments highlight Kazakhstan’s broader strategy to strengthen energy partnerships in the region.
