Kazakhstan has moved to the practical phase of its first nuclear power plant project, signing a contract for its design and construction, reports infohub.kz.
According to the Atomic Energy Agency of Kazakhstan, during the 11th Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, a contract was signed between Kazakhstan Nuclear Power Plants LLP and Atomstroyexport JSC (a subsidiary of Rosatom) for the design, equipment supply, and construction of the nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan.
The agency noted that the signing marks the project's transition to a new, practical stage. In accordance with the intergovernmental agreement of May 28, 2026, the parties will continue the stipulated procedures, including coordination with the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The agency emphasized the strategic importance of the project for the country: amid economic growth, industrial development, infrastructure expansion, digitalization, and the advancement of artificial intelligence, the demand for reliable electricity will increase. Nuclear energy will ensure stable baseload generation for decades to come, as well as create opportunities for the development of domestic industry, the introduction of advanced technologies, and workforce training.
Special attention during the project's implementation will be paid to localization—maximizing the involvement of Kazakhstani enterprises, specialists, goods, works, and services.
It is worth recalling that active construction of the first nuclear power plant near the village of Ulken on Lake Balkhash will begin in 2027. The station will be named "Balkhash," chosen through a nationwide competition.