Kazakhstan Accelerates Nuclear Projects to Secure Energy Future

Kazakhstan is intensifying its nuclear initiatives to capitalize on its rich uranium resources while striving for carbon neutrality by 2060. As the world increasingly turns to nuclear energy, the Central Asian nation seeks to establish itself as a major player in the global energy landscape. Despite being the largest producer of uranium, with approximately one million tonnes in reserves, Kazakhstan currently does not generate nuclear power for its domestic grid.

The urgency for change is underscored by the country’s reliance on coal for 70% of its electricity. This transition marks what officials are calling the nation’s second nuclear revival. Kazakhstan plans to construct multiple nuclear power plants, including a collaboration with Russia’s Rosatom and two additional projects with Chinese partners.

New Nuclear Power Initiatives

The first of these plants, named the Balkhash Nuclear Power Plant, is slated to be operational by 2035. Located in the Almaty region, this facility will feature two Generation III+ pressurized water reactors with a total capacity of 2.4 gigawatts. Site selection commenced in August 2025, focusing on identifying the safest location in a seismically active area.

Asset Makhambetov, Deputy Chairman of Kazakhstan’s Agency for Atomic Energy, emphasized that the selected technology incorporates “all the passive and active safety systems needed to ensure safe and reliable operation of the reactor.” The country is also collaborating with technology providers to develop strategies for effective radioactive waste management.

Kazakhstan’s nuclear ambitions extend beyond energy production. Earlier this year, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced plans to establish two new science cities in Almaty and Kurchatov focused on nuclear energy and medical advancements. These cities will house institutions such as the Institute of Nuclear Physics and the National Nuclear Centre, aiming to leverage nuclear expertise for public health benefits.

Strengthening the Nuclear Supply Chain

Kazakhstan is currently focused on the entire nuclear fuel cycle, primarily through its national operator, Kazatomprom. The company oversees uranium mining, fuel production, and technology exports. Kazatomprom is exploring further stages of the nuclear fuel cycle, including conversion and enrichment, which would enhance its role in global supply chains.

Despite plans to reduce uranium production by 10% next year, CEO Meirzhan Yussupov remains optimistic about the industry’s future. He noted an increasing global demand for nuclear energy, with over 20 countries committing to triple their nuclear capacity by 2050. This growing interest aligns with forecasts of a structural deficit in uranium supply over the next decade.

Kazakhstan’s competitive edge lies in its extensive reserves suitable for in-situ recovery (ISR) mining, a method that is both cost-effective and environmentally friendly. The country has leveraged six decades of experience in civil nuclear materials to establish itself as a supplier of low-enriched nuclear fuel to international markets, particularly to reactors in China.

Kazakhstan’s commitment to peaceful nuclear initiatives is historically significant. Since gaining independence, the nation has dismantled its nuclear arsenal and closed the Semipalatinsk test site, which witnessed over 400 nuclear explosions. Kazakhstan has also played a pivotal role in establishing the Central Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone and initiated a UN resolution advocating for the total elimination of nuclear weapons.

As part of its international commitments, Kazakhstan hosts the world’s Low Enriched Uranium Bank at the Ulba Metallurgical Plant. Managed by the International Atomic Energy Agency, this facility serves as a reserve of reactor-grade uranium for member states in times of supply disruption. With a current stock of 90 tonnes of uranium hexafluoride provided by Kazakhstan and France, the bank has yet to be utilized and adheres to stringent safety measures.

Through these comprehensive initiatives, Kazakhstan is not only advancing its nuclear energy capabilities but is also positioning itself as a vital contributor to global energy security. The country’s strategic partnerships, innovative research efforts, and commitment to safe nuclear practices underscore its ambition to play a leading role in the future of nuclear energy.