Kazakhstan is targeting 2035 for the completion of its first and second nuclear power plants, advancing an ambitious nuclear energy program aimed at strengthening electricity security and meeting the country’s growing power requirements.
The country’s Minister of Energy, Erlan Akkenzhenov, announced the target during a government briefing on November 4, 2026. Akkenzhenov confirmed that development of the two projects is progressing through separate international partnerships involving Russia and China.
The first project, the Balkhash nuclear power plant, is expected to be developed through a Russian-led consortium headed by state-owned nuclear corporation Rosatom. Meanwhile, Kazakhstan is negotiating with China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) over the development of its second facility, known as the Moyinkum nuclear power plant.
According to Akkenzhenov, discussions with CNNC are ongoing and cover the proposed agreement, project parameters and construction schedule. The government expects both facilities to be completed by 2035.
The announcement also marks an important development in Kazakhstan’s efforts to introduce nuclear power into its national electricity mix, with the government seeking to diversify generation sources and reduce reliance on ageing conventional power infrastructure.
Rosatom to lead Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant
The Balkhash nuclear power plant is the first major project under Kazakhstan’s renewed nuclear energy program.
The project is planned for the Zhambyl district of the Almaty Region, near the village of Ulken on the western shore of Lake Balkhash.
Kazakhstan selected Rosatom to lead the development following a competitive process involving several international nuclear technology providers. These include CNNC, France’s EDF and South Korea’s Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power.
In May 2026, Kazakhstan and Russia also signed an intergovernmental agreement covering the construction of the first nuclear power plant. A subsequent contract for the design, supply and construction of the facility was also signed in September 2026 between Kazakhstan Nuclear Power Plants and Rosatom subsidiary Atomstroyexport.
Additionally, the proposed facility is expected to feature two VVER-1200 Generation III+ reactors, with a combined planned capacity of approximately 2,400 MW.
The construction program is expected to begin in 2027, with the first reactor previously scheduled to enter commercial operation in the mid-2030s.
The project is also expected to require extensive engineering, nuclear equipment, construction services and supporting infrastructure, creating opportunities for international suppliers and Kazakhstan’s domestic industrial sector.
China partnership advances second nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan
Alongside the Balkhash project, Kazakhstan is pursuing a second nuclear power plant through cooperation with China.
The proposed Moyinkum nuclear power facility is being discussed with China National Nuclear Corporation, one of the country’s major state-owned nuclear energy companies.
Additionally, negotiations are focused on the terms of the agreement, technical and project parameters, and the construction timeline. The latest report does not yet confirm a final construction contract or the detailed technical specifications of the plant.
Kazakhstan’s government also previously approved the construction of a second nuclear power plant in the Almaty Region, with the Zhambyl District identified as its proposed location.
Furthermore, the involvement of Chinese and Russian nuclear companies highlights Kazakhstan’s approach to developing its nuclear industry through international partnerships. This is while building domestic expertise and technical capacity.
The government has also transferred responsibility for the country’s nuclear energy projects from the Ministry of Energy to the newly established Agency for Atomic Energy. The agency will now oversee Kazakhstan’s nuclear power development.
Uranium reserve planned to support nuclear expansion
Kazakhstan’s nuclear ambitions also extend beyond the construction of individual power plants.
The government is also planning to establish a strategic uranium reserve by the end of 2027 to support the country’s planned nuclear generation program.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin announced the initiative on November 3, 2026, explaining that the reserve is intended to provide fuel security for three nuclear power plants planned in Kazakhstan.
The initiative is also particularly significant given Kazakhstan’s position as the world’s leading uranium producer. Despite its substantial uranium resources, the country currently does not generate electricity from commercial nuclear power plants.
Establishing a domestic strategic reserve could therefore help connect Kazakhstan’s established uranium production industry with its emerging nuclear electricity generation sector.
Kazakhstan nuclear power plants to address growing electricity demand
Kazakhstan’s nuclear program also comes as the country faces increasing electricity demand from industrial development, urbanization and expanding infrastructure.
The government also sees nuclear generation as an important source of stable, large-scale electricity that can complement its existing coal-fired generation. Nuclear can also expand the country’s renewable energy capacity.
The two planned nuclear power plants could provide approximately 4,800 MW of installed generation capacity. This is if both ultimately adopt two-reactor configurations comparable to the first plant. However, the technical configuration and capacity of the second project have not yet been confirmed.
Beyond electricity generation, the program could also stimulate investment in engineering, nuclear construction, specialist manufacturing, technical education and workforce development.
For Kazakhstan, the challenge will be delivering the projects within the targeted timeframe. This is while establishing the regulatory, financial, technical and human-resource capabilities required to operate a domestic nuclear industry.
If achieved, the 2035 target would represent a major milestone in the Kazakhstan. It would mark the transition from being a leading supplier of uranium to becoming a producer of nuclear-generated electricity.
Kazakhstan’s first two nuclear power plants
Target completion: 2035
First project: Balkhash Nuclear Power Plant
First project location: Zhambyl District, Almaty Region, near Lake Balkhash
Balkhash Nuclear Power Plant developer: Rosatom-led Russian consortium
Balkhash Nuclear Power Plant capacity: 2,400 MW
First plant technology: Two VVER-1200 Generation III+ reactors.
Second project: Moyinkum Nuclear Power Plant
Moyinkum Nuclear Power Plant developer: China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), under negotiations.
Second plant technical specifications: Not yet confirmed.
Uranium reserve: Planned establishment by the end of 2027.
Government oversight: Kazakhstan Agency for Atomic Energy.
Project Team
Government of Kazakhstan – National nuclear energy program and project oversight.
Kazakhstan Agency for Atomic Energy – Oversight of nuclear energy project development.
Rosatom – Russian nuclear technology partner and lead consortium participant for the Balkhash project.
Atomstroyexport – Rosatom subsidiary contracted for design, supply and construction of the first plant.
China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) – Prospective development partner for the Moyinkum project.
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