Construction start date for Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant announced

Tengrinews.kz – Construction of Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant is planned to begin in 2027, citing an official representative of the Atomic Energy Agency.

It is reported that during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s state visit, Kazakhstan and Russia may sign two intergovernmental agreements on the project for the first nuclear power plant.

The documents concern the construction of the nuclear power plant itself and the financial side of the project.

Thus, if the parties sign the necessary agreements, Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant project will move to the next stage of preparation.

In February 2025, Kazakhstan officially approved the construction site for the first nuclear power plant — Zhambyl district of Almaty Region. The relevant resolution was signed by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov.

In January last year, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev instructed the government, together with Samruk-Kazyna, to develop long-term plans for the nuclear industry. He emphasized the need for a clear vision and comprehensive analysis to select the most suitable sites for future nuclear power plants, as well as modern and safe technologies.

The Head of State also noted that he expected proposals from the government and Parliament on the location of the second nuclear power plant. At that time, Energy Minister Almassadam Satkaliyev did not rule out that the second NPP could be built in parallel with the first.

He also confirmed that the second NPP would be built in the same Zhambyl district of Almaty Region. Satkaliyev explained this decision by the energy shortage in the south of the country. The minister noted that electricity is currently supplied from northern Kazakhstan to cover the deficit.

In July 2025, it was reported that China would build Kazakhstan’s second and third nuclear power plants.