- Kazakhstan’s nuclear projects integrate safe reactor design, research hubs, and international collaboration to drive energy and medical innovation.
- Expansion of the nuclear fuel cycle and uranium production strengthens Kazakhstan’s global role in energy supply.
Kazakhstan’s nuclear projects are advancing rapidly, as the country leverages uranium reserves, research hubs, and strategic partnerships. Furthermore, these initiatives support carbon-neutral ambitions while boosting global energy influence.
Although Kazakhstan is the top global uranium producer, it does not yet generate nuclear power for its own grid. However, reliance on coal for 70% of electricity highlights the urgency of nuclear development. Consequently, officials describe the current effort as the country’s “second nuclear revival.”
The Soviet-era BN-350 fast reactor, located near Aktau, shut down in 1999 and is currently undergoing decommissioning. Meanwhile, plans are underway to build multiple nuclear power plants in partnership with Russia’s Rosatom and Chinese companies. The first plant, the Balkhash Nuclear Power Plant, will feature two Generation III+ reactors with a combined capacity of 2.4 GW, expected to be online by 2035.
Site selection began in August 2025 in the seismically active Almaty region, near the village of Ulken. Asset Makhambetov, Deputy Chairman of Kazakhstan’s Atomic Energy Agency, states that the reactors incorporate all passive and active safety systems. Additionally, lessons from Fukushima and Chernobyl have been applied to prevent accidents. Radioactive waste management strategies are also being developed in collaboration with technology partners.
Emerging nuclear hubs
Kazakhstan is also developing science cities in Almaty and Kurchatov, focusing on nuclear energy and medicine. For instance, the Institute of Nuclear Physics exports technetium-99 radiopharmaceuticals for medical imaging, benefiting countries like Kyrgyzstan. This demonstrates the country’s goal of translating nuclear expertise into public benefit.
Expanding the fuel cycle
Kazatomprom, the national operator, manages uranium mining and fuel production. Furthermore, it plans to expand into conversion and enrichment, strengthening global supply chain influence. Kazakhstan relies mainly on cost-effective in-situ recovery mining and exports low-enriched fuel to China.
Since gaining independence, Kazakhstan has pursued peaceful nuclear initiatives, hosting the IAEA’s Low-Enriched Uranium Bank and supporting nuclear non-proliferation. Overall, these efforts position the country as a central player in the global atomic energy landscape.