Kazakhstan and Russia to Build First Nuclear Power Plant with Rosatom

Kazakhstan and Russia have agreed to jointly construct the Balkhash Nuclear Power Plant, marking a significant milestone in bilateral cooperation. Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced the agreement following talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin during Putin's state visit to Astana on May 28, 2026. The project, which involves Russia's state nuclear energy company Rosatom, represents the first nuclear power plant to be built in Kazakhstan with Russian participation.

Tokayev described the nuclear energy initiative as being of "exceptional importance" to the country, highlighting that energy cooperation represents a particularly successful area of bilateral relations between the two nations. The Kazakh leader expressed gratitude to Putin for Russia's support of the project, underscoring the strategic value of the partnership.

Beyond the immediate energy benefits, Tokayev indicated that the Balkhash Nuclear Power Plant would serve broader developmental purposes. He stated that the project is expected to function as "a driving force for scientific, educational, and technological interaction" and facilitate the growth of related energy sectors and industry more broadly. The agreement reflects deepening energy sector cooperation between Kazakhstan and Russia, with nuclear power positioned as a key component of the region's energy infrastructure development.