Demonstrated the design of Kazakhstan's first nuclear power station, unveiled by Rosatom.
Kazakhstan has taken a significant step forward in its nuclear energy ambitions, with the official start of construction preparations for its first nuclear power plant. Located in the Zhambyl district of the Almaty region, the project is being led by Russia's Rosatom [1][2][3][5].
The first nuclear power plant, with a capacity of about 2.4 gigawatts, is expected to be commissioned between 2035 and 2036 [1][2][3][5]. Meanwhile, China's China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) has been confirmed as the main builder for both the second and third nuclear power plants in Kazakhstan [1][4].
The second nuclear power plant's potential locations include Kurchatov and Aktau, but the exact site has yet to be determined by the fall [1]. As for the third plant, its location is still undecided [1].
The nuclear program in Kazakhstan gained national public support following a 2024 referendum, and the government aims for nuclear energy to provide 5% of its electricity by 2035, installing at least two, ideally three, nuclear plants [1][4][5].
In August 2025, a ceremonial launch event for the construction of the first nuclear power plant took place in the village of Ulken, Almaty region, Kazakhstan [6]. The model displayed at the event represented Unit 6 of the future nuclear power plant [6].
The construction process may be impacted by factors such as the availability of necessary specialists, potential needs for additional equipment, the level of localization of equipment and construction materials production in the construction area, weather conditions, and seismic conditions [7].
Notably, Russia is leading the construction project, with Rosatom being the leader of an international consortium for the construction project [7]. On the other hand, China is not involved in the construction of the first nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan [1].
| Plant Number | Status | Leading Country/Company | Location Examples | Expected Completion | |--------------|--------------------------------|-------------------------------|-----------------------------|----------------------------------| | 1st | Construction surveys started (Aug 2025) | Russia / Rosatom | Ulken, Almaty Region | 2035–2036 | | 2nd | Planned, feasibility/design underway | China / CNNC | Kurchatov or Aktau | After 1st plant (timing TBD) | | 3rd | Planned, China confirmed as builder | China / CNNC | TBD | After 2nd plant (timing TBD) |
References:
[1] Kazakhstan Today [2] TASS [3] Interfax [4] CNNC [5] Kazakhstan Referendum Results [6] Kazakhstan 2050 Strategy [7] Rosatom Press Release
- The advancement in Kazakhstan's energy sector extends to various domains, as education-and-self-development forums discuss the potential implications of funding and research in science related to nuclear energy.
- In the realm of finance, experts are carefully examining the economic benefits and risks associated with the construction and operation of these nuclear power plants, with general-news outlets reporting on the potential impact on Kazakhstan's economy.
- Meanwhile, advancements in technology are being considered to ensure the safe and efficient operation of these nuclear power plants, with medical-conditions experts studying potential applications of such technology in the diagnosis and treatment of related radiological issues.
