Russia and Kazakhstan Sign $16.4B Deal for First Nuclear Power Plant
On May 28, 2026, Russia and Kazakhstan signed a $16.4 billion agreement for Kazakhstan's first nuclear power plant, the Balkhash NPP, in Ulken. Led by Rosatom, the plant will feature two VVER-1200 reactors (2.4 GWe), with construction starting in 2027 and first power by 2034. Russia will provide up to 85% financing via a repayable loan. Kazakhstan, the world's top uranium producer, approved the project in a 2024 referendum and also plans a second plant with China.
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Uzbekistan and Russia Mark Nuclear Plant Construction Start for Second Time
On June 4, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, joined by IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi, celebrated the start of construction on the first unit of a nuclear power plant in Uzbekistan via videoconference from St. Petersburg. This event occurred over two months after the heads of Uzatom and Rosatom had already marked the start of construction at the site in Jizzakh region. The project includes two RITM-200N small modular reactors (55 MW each) and two VVER-1000 large reactors (1 GW each), with the small reactors to be built first. Once fully operational, the plant is expected to meet over 15% of Uzbekistan's electricity needs. Uzatom Director Azim Ahmedkhodjayev stated the total cost is $9.5 billion, with Uzbekistan seeking 85-90% financing through the BRICS New Development Bank. Russia has promised a preferential export loan and lifecycle support. The article also notes Russia's parallel nuclear project in Kazakhstan and raises concerns about water scarcity in Central Asia.
The DiplomatUzbekistan and Russia Mark Nuclear Plant Construction Start for Second Time
On June 4, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, joined by IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi, celebrated the start of construction on the first unit of a nuclear power plant in Uzbekistan via videoconference from St. Petersburg. This event occurred over two months after Uzatom and Rosatom had already marked the start of construction at the Jizzakh region site. The project includes two RITM-200N small modular reactors (55 MW each) and two VVER-1000 large reactors (1 GW each), with the small reactors to be built first. The first 55 MW unit is planned to go critical in late 2029. Uzatom Director Azim Ahmedkhodjayev stated the total cost is $9.5 billion, with Uzbekistan seeking 85-90% financing through the BRICS New Development Bank. Russia has promised a preferential export loan and lifecycle support. The article notes similar Russian nuclear deals in Kazakhstan and highlights the tension between energy-intensive future industries and diminishing water resources in Central Asia.
The DiplomatUzbekistan and Russia Mark Nuclear Plant Construction Start for Second Time
On June 4, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, joined by IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi, celebrated the start of construction on the first unit of a nuclear power plant in Uzbekistan via videoconference from St. Petersburg. This event occurred two months after the heads of Uzatom and Rosatom had already marked the start of construction at the site in Jizzakh region. The plant will feature two RITM-200N small modular reactors (55 MW each) and two VVER-1000 large reactors (1 GW each), with small reactors built first. Uzbek authorities claim the plant will meet over 15% of the country's electricity needs. Uzatom Director Azim Ahmedkhodjayev stated the project cost is $9.5 billion, with Uzbekistan seeking 85-90% financing through the BRICS New Development Bank. Russia will provide a preferential export loan and lifecycle support. The first 55 MW unit is planned to go critical in late 2029. The article also notes Russia's similar nuclear deal with Kazakhstan and raises concerns about water scarcity in Central Asia.
The DiplomatKazakhstan and Russia Advance $16.4 Billion Nuclear Power Plant Deal
During a state visit to Astana, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed agreements for Russia to build Kazakhstan's first modern nuclear power plant. The project, led by Rosatom, will feature two VVER-1200 III+ reactors with a combined capacity of 2.4 GWe, at a total cost of $16.4 billion. Moscow is reportedly providing up to 85% of the financing via a state export loan, which Putin emphasized would be repaid with interest. Construction is set to begin in 2027, with the first reactor expected to be commissioned by early 2034. The deal also includes a currency swap agreement and cooperation on nuclear safety regulation. Kazakhstan, the world's top uranium producer, has long-standing energy ties with Russia.
The DiplomatKazakhstan and Russia Sign $16.4 Billion Nuclear Power Plant Deal
During a state visit to Astana, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed agreements for Russia to build Kazakhstan's first modern nuclear power plant. The project, led by Rosatom, will feature two VVER-1200 III+ reactors with a combined capacity of 2.4 GWe, at a total cost of $16.4 billion. Moscow is reportedly providing up to 85% of the financing through a state export loan, which Putin emphasized is a repayable, interest-bearing loan. Construction is set to begin in 2027, with the first reactor expected to be commissioned by early 2034. The deal also includes a currency swap agreement and cooperation on nuclear safety regulation. Putin highlighted Russia's long-standing uranium cooperation with Kazakhstan, the world's top uranium producer, as a strategic advantage.
The DiplomatKazakhstan and Russia Advance $16.4 Billion Nuclear Power Plant Deal
During a state visit to Astana, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed agreements for Russia to build Kazakhstan's first modern nuclear power plant, valued at $16.4 billion. Russia's Rosatom will construct two VVER-1200 III+ reactors with a combined capacity of 2.4 GWe in Ulken. Moscow is reportedly providing up to 85% of the financing via a state export loan, which Putin clarified is a repayable, interest-bearing loan. The project leverages Russia's long-standing uranium cooperation with Kazakhstan, the world's top uranium producer. Construction is set to begin in 2027, with the first reactor expected to be commissioned by early 2034. The deal also includes a currency swap agreement and a bilateral action plan on nuclear safety regulation for 2026-2030.
The DiplomatRussia to Build Kazakhstan's First Nuclear Power Plant in $16.5 Billion Deal
Russia has agreed to build Kazakhstan's first nuclear power plant, the Balkhash NPP, in a $16.5 billion deal. The agreement was signed on May 28, 2026, with Russia's state nuclear corporation Rosatom taking the lead role, beating out competitors from China, France, and South Korea. The plant will feature two VVER-1200 reactors, with construction set to begin in 2027 and the first reactor expected to be operational by early 2034. Kazakhstan, the world's largest uranium producer, held a national referendum in 2024 where citizens voted in favor of the project. The plant will be located in the village of Ulken on Lake Balkhash. The deal includes export credit from Russia. Kazakhstan, facing rising energy demand and relying heavily on coal, also announced plans for a second nuclear plant to be built by China's CNNC.
The Indian ExpressRussia signs agreement to build first nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan
Russia and Kazakhstan signed an agreement on May 28, 2026, for the construction of Kazakhstan's first nuclear power plant, the Balkhash NPP, in Central Asia's largest country. The deal, signed by Presidents Vladimir Putin and Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in Astana, also includes a Russian export credit to finance the project. Kazakhstan, the world's top uranium producer, approved the plant in a 2024 referendum. The site is the village of Ulken on Lake Balkhash. Russia's Rosatom will lead the consortium. Kazakhstan's nuclear agency said Russia would lend about 85% of the $15 billion cost for the two-reactor plant, which aims to provide 2.4 gigawatts of nuclear capacity by 2035.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Kazakhstan Approves Plan to Boost Local Content for Nuclear Power Plant Construction
The Kazakh government has approved a resolution to develop a domestic industrial base for nuclear power plant construction. The Comprehensive Plan for Developing Localisation in the Nuclear Industry for 2026–2030, developed by the Atomic Energy Agency and partners, aims to increase local content from the current 20-22% to about 30% by the start of construction of the country's first nuclear power plant, representing a market value of USD4-4.5 billion. The plan covers regulatory framework development, market analysis, production facility modernization, and digitalization. A supplier registry will be introduced to ensure quality and transparency. Kazakhstan, the world's leading uranium producer, selected Russia's Rosatom last year to lead an international consortium building the Balkhash plant at Ulken. The country's nuclear strategy envisions at least three operating nuclear plants by 2050.
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