Kazakhstan's KAES and Rosatom sign contract for Balkhash NPP

September 3, 2026 at 08:00 AM2 min

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Kazakhstan Atomic Electric Stations (KAES) and Russia's Rosatom signed a contract on September 3 at the Eastern Economic Forum to build the Balkhash nuclear power plant with two units totaling 2,400 MW. The agreement marks a new stage in cooperation, with Rosatom to carry out design work and form an international consortium of equipment suppliers. Construction is expected to be completed by 2037.

Key Facts

The contract covers two power units with a total electric capacity of 2,400 MW.
Construction completion is expected by 2037.
On June 14, 2025, Kazakhstan's Atomic Energy Agency named Rosatom the leader of the consortium for the first NPP and China's CNNC for the second.
The first NPP is expected to generate about 19.5 billion kWh per year, around 20% of the country's current electricity consumption.
On April 15, 2026, Kazakhstan approved the Strategy for the Development of the Nuclear Industry until 2050, which envisages at least three nuclear power plants by that year.

Contract Signing

KAES and Rosatom signed the contract at the Eastern Economic Forum on September 3, as reported by TASS. Rosatom CEO Alexey Likhachev stated that the document marks a new stage of cooperation with Kazakhstan. Likhachev said Rosatom will soon carry out design work and create an international consortium of equipment suppliers. He emphasized that the project will adhere to the strictest international safety and efficiency requirements.

Project Timeline

The foundation of the first nuclear power plant near the village of Ulken on the shore of Lake Balkhash in Almaty Region is scheduled to be poured only in 2029. The first NPP is expected to produce about 19.5 billion kWh of electricity per year, approximately 20% of current national consumption. Construction completion is expected by 2037.

Nuclear Strategy

On June 14, 2025, the Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan for Atomic Energy announced the results of the selection of builders for the nuclear power plant. Rosatom was recognized as the leader in the consortium for the first NPP, and China's CNNC for the second. On April 15, 2026, the Strategy for the Development of the Nuclear Industry of the Republic of Kazakhstan until 2050 was approved. By 2050, at least three nuclear power plants should be operating in the republic.