Kazakhstan signs contract with Rosatom to build first nuclear power plant

September 3, 2026 at 10:19 AM2 min

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Kazakhstan and Russia's Rosatom signed a contract on September 3 for the design, supply, and construction of the country's first nuclear power plant. The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok. Construction is expected to begin in 2027, with the first unit to be commissioned about 10 years later.

Key Facts

The contract was signed by Kazakhstan Nuclear Power Plants LLP and Atomstroyexport JSC, a subsidiary of Rosatom, at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok on September 3, 2026.
Construction of the plant is expected to begin in 2027 after Kazakhstan completes internal procedures and obtains a siting license next year.
The first power unit is planned to be commissioned approximately 10 years after construction starts, around 2037.
Kazakhstan plans to use domestic uranium products for nuclear fuel and involve local manufacturers in machinery, instrumentation, and other equipment supplies.
The project will include cooperation with Rosatom in personnel training, scientific research, nuclear fuel cycle development, and the uranium industry.

Contract Signing

Kazakhstan Nuclear Power Plants LLP and Atomstroyexport JSC, a Rosatom subsidiary, signed the contract on September 3, 2026, at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok. The signing took place in the presence of Almasadam Satkaliyev, chairman of Kazakhstan's Atomic Energy Agency, and Alexey Likhachev, director general of Rosatom. The agreement covers the full scope of work: design, equipment supply, and construction of the plant. Satkaliyev said the signing marks the transition of the project to a practical stage.

Project Timeline

Kazakhstan expects to complete internal state procedures and obtain a siting license in 2027. Construction is planned to begin in 2027, with the first power unit to be commissioned approximately 10 years later. Satkaliyev stated that obtaining the siting license will be a key condition for starting construction work. The project must also pass all procedures stipulated by the intergovernmental agreement of May 28, 2026, including final approval by the government of Kazakhstan.

Local Content and Cooperation

Kazakhstan plans to use domestic raw materials, including uranium products for nuclear fuel production, and products from Kazakhstani enterprises. Satkaliyev said the project will create new jobs and use Kazakhstani materials, including construction materials, machinery, instrumentation, and other equipment. A register of Kazakhstani manufacturers is being compiled for participation in the project. The project includes cooperation with Rosatom in personnel training, scientific research, nuclear fuel cycle development, and the uranium industry.