Crossroads Asia | Security | Central Asia

Kazakhstan Eyes Ambitious 2035 Goal for 2 Nuclear Power Plants

A deal with China hasn’t been settled yet but still, Astana hopes to complete both its first and second nuclear power plants within a decade.

Kazakhstan announced in June 2025 that it would build its first nuclear power plant in partnership with a consortium led by Russia’s Rosatom. Almost immediately afterward, Astana announced that it would build its second with China. As the shape of that project begins to take form, the country’s authorities have set 2035 as the target date for both to be completed.

Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant is planned for a site near the village of Ulken, in Almaty Region on the shore of Lake Balkhash. The second plant will also be near Balkhash. It’s name, Moyynkum, was revealed earlier this year. Meanwhile, Kazakhstan is considering two locations – either in the east or west of the country – for a third nuclear power plant.

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