Kazakhstan’s nuclear energy ambitions are tilting eastward, strengthening Moscow and Beijing while leaving Europe with little room to manoeuvre
Kazakhstan has identified a second site for the construction of a nuclear power plant in the Almaty region. While negotiations with potential suppliers are underway, China will be considered a “priority contractor”.
Almasadam Satkaliyev, chair of Kazakhstan’s Atomic Energy Agency, made the announcement during a briefing at the lower chamber of Parliament (Mazhilis) earlier this month.
“Our second plant will also be built in the south of the country, where there is currently an energy deficit […] The new station will ensure a reliable and stable energy supply,” Satkaliyev told the briefing.
Construction on the country’s first nuclear power plant in the village of Ulken in the Almaty region is already underway. The contract was awarded to Russia’s state atomic energy corporation, Rosatom.
The Russian company will construct two VVER-1200 nuclear power units, with the process expected to take approximately 11 years to complete. This nuclear power plant will require $14-15 billion in investment, although the figure may be revised.
Priority for China
Negotiations with all potential suppliers and bidders in the tender process are now underway, Satkaliyev confirmed. Various international companies have reportedly expressed interest in the project.
Among the contenders – largely the same companies that competed for the first project – China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) appears to have the upper hand.
“No final decision has been made regarding CNNC. However, based on the proposals submitted, we consider it the priority contractor,” explained Satkaliyev.
The company is offering its HPR1000 reactor, also known as “China Dragon One”, an advanced nuclear power technology with a design life of 60 years and a utilisation rate of more than 90 per cent.
Energy security at forefront
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has repeatedly stressed the importance of energy security and independence as a strategic priority, most recently during Kazakhstan Energy Week 2025.
Highlighting various large-scale projects aimed at strengthening energy resilience, Tokayev also noted the “significant contribution” of international partners to these “important initiatives”.
Additionally, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has granted approval for another site for the potential construction of a nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan’s eastern Abai region, near the city of Kurchatov.
Under Tokayev’s instructions – and given the country’s favourable position in the global uranium market – Kazakhstan’s energy security strategy appears firmly anchored in nuclear power, presented as a key element of the energy transition.
Reviving nuclear power
As the world’s largest producer of uranium, Kazakhstan holds around 12 per cent of global reserves. However, it has not operated a nuclear power facility since the 1990s, when the Semipalatinsk test site was closed.
Despite painful memories associated with that site, the country is facing rising energy demand. Officials argue there is a clear need to revive nuclear power while reducing dependence on imports and fossil fuels.
Kazakhstan currently imports electricity to cover shortfalls, primarily from Russia. Recent reports highlight a record gap between electricity production and consumption, necessitating imports to bridge the deficit.
The country’s energy mix remains heavily dependent on fossil fuels, with coal accounting for around 50 per cent of both energy needs and electricity generation. The government aims to diversify by developing nuclear power alongside expanding renewables capacity.
What about Europe?
Although Kazakh officials insist no final decision has yet been made, China’s apparent upper hand may discourage European competitors, who were already side-lined in the previous tender.
France’s EDF was the only European company shortlisted for the construction of the first nuclear plant, but it ultimately failed to secure the contract despite concerted diplomatic efforts.
At the time, the Kazakh atomic energy agency justified its choice by stressing the comprehensive nature of the winning proposals, noting that only Russia and China are able to independently provide the full spectrum of services – from financing and personnel training to design, construction and spent fuel management.
Despite the European Union’s attempts to deepen cooperation with Kazakhstan and the wider Central Asia, such developments underscore the difficulties European firms face when competing for major opportunities in the region.
Kazakhstan’s nuclear future increasingly appears to be charted with its eastern partners, where financing, technology and political will align more seamlessly. For Europe, eager to expand its foothold in Central Asia, the reality may be that no amount of diplomacy can shift the balance – at least when it comes to nuclear power.
Source: Euractiv
