Russia and Kazakhstan sign agreement for first nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan

Key facts

• Russia agreed to build Kazakhstan's first nuclear power plant under a $16.5 billion deal, with an agreement signed on Thursday, May 28, 2026.
• The plant will be located in the village of Ulken on the shores of Lake Balkhash in southeastern Kazakhstan, selected after a 2024 referendum.
• Russia's state nuclear corporation, Rosatom, will lead the construction, beating out China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), French utility EDF, and Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power.
• The plant will have two VVER-1200 reactors; construction is set to begin in 2027 and the first reactor is expected to be ready by early 2034.
• Kazakhstan also announced plans for a second nuclear plant, with China's state-run CNNC selected as its main builder.