Kazakhstan and Rosatom: Contract for the First Nuclear Power Plant in Ulken
Kazakhstan has officially started construction of the country’s first nuclear power plant in the village of Ulken, Almaty Region. The contract with Rosatom’s subsidiary Atomstroyexport JSC was signed on September 3, 2026, in Vladivostok. The project is moving into the practical stage, but requires government approval.
Sources
· 6В посёлке Улкен началось строительство первой в Казахстане АЭС
1Казахстан подписал контракт с дочерней структурой Росатома на строительство первой АЭС
2Казахстан подписал контракт с «Росатомом» на строительство первой АЭС
3Казахстан и «Росатом» подписали контракт на строительство первой АЭС
4Казахстан и Росатом подписали контракт на строительство первой АЭС
5КАЭС и «Росатом» подписали контракт на сооружение АЭС «Балхаш»
6Key points
- In the village of Ulken, Almaty Region, construction of Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant has officially begun.
- The contract was signed by Kazakhstan Nuclear Power Stations LLP and Atomstroyexport JSC, a subsidiary of Rosatom.
- The document was signed on September 3, 2026, at the 11th Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok.
- The signing moves the project into the practical stage, but approval by the Government of Kazakhstan is required.
Why it matters
The implementation of the nuclear power plant project is of strategic importance for the country. The signing of the contract marks the transition of the first nuclear power plant project into the practical stage, but approval by the Government of Kazakhstan is required.
What changed
The source now reports the official start of construction in the village of Ulken. It was also previously noted that the signing moves the project into the practical phase within the framework of the intergovernmental agreement of May 28, 2026. It was reported that construction is expected to be completed by 2037, and Rosatom will have to carry out design work and create an international consortium of equipment suppliers.
Who's affected
The project directly affects the settlement of Ulken (also mentioned as the village of Ulken) in Almaty Region. The main parties to the contract are Kazakhstan Nuclear Power Stations LLP and Atomstroyexport JSC.
What's Next
The first power unit is planned to be commissioned in about 10 years, with full completion of construction expected by 2037.