Rosatom Chief Tells Putin Kazakhstan Nuclear Plant Survey Nearly Complete
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Alexei Likhachev, head of Russia's state nuclear corporation Rosatom, told President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on 20 August 2026 that survey work at the site of Kazakhstan's first nuclear power plant is nearly complete. Kazakhstan's Atomic Energy Agency expects the surveys to be fully finished by the end of 2026 or early 2027. Concrete for the plant's foundation near the village of Ulken is scheduled to be poured in 2029.
Key Facts
- Rosatom has nearly completed survey work for two VVER-1200 power units at the site of Kazakhstan's first nuclear power plant.
- Kazakhstan's Atomic Energy Agency expects full completion of survey work by the end of 2026 or at the beginning of 2027.
- The first plant is expected to generate about 19.5 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity per year, equivalent to roughly 20 percent of Kazakhstan's current consumption.
- Foundation pouring for the plant near the village of Ulken on the shore of Lake Balkhash is scheduled for 2029.
Survey Work Progress
Russia's Rosatom chief Alexei Likhachev told President Vladimir Putin at a nuclear power development meeting in Moscow on 20 August 2026 that survey work at the construction site of Kazakhstan's first nuclear power plant is practically complete. The work is under way for two VVER-1200 power units in the area of the planned first nuclear power station near the village of Ulken. Engineering and survey activities are currently taking place on the shore of Lake Balkhash in Almaty Region. Kazakhstan's Atomic Energy Agency expects all survey work to be completed by the end of 2026 or at the start of 2027.
Timeline and Output
Concrete for the foundation of Kazakhstan's first nuclear power plant near Ulken is scheduled to be poured in 2029. The plant is expected to generate about 19.5 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity per year. That projected output equals roughly 20 percent of Kazakhstan's current electricity consumption. The construction site is located on the shore of Lake Balkhash in Almaty Region, where preparatory engineering work is already under way.
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Rosatom Chief Tells Putin Kazakhstan Nuclear Plant Survey Nearly Complete
