Rosatom to Build Kazakhstan Nuclear Plant by 2035

Kazakhstan has chosen Russia's state nuclear corporation Rosatom to lead an international consortium for building its first nuclear power plant, which will use VVER-1200 Generation 3+ reactors and is expected to provide 2.4 gigawatts of capacity by 2035. The facility will be constructed near Ulken village by Lake Balkhash, following a national referendum approving the project in late 2024. Proposals from China, France, and South Korea were also considered, and while these companies may join the consortium, Rosatom is expected to take the lead. The Kazakh atomic energy agency selected Rosatom based on criteria including safety, training, and financing, with Russian state export financing expected to support the project. The decision comes amid Kazakhstan's efforts to balance its relationships with Russia, China, and Western partners. Some domestic criticism has emerged over Russia's leading role, particularly in light of its recent invasion of Ukraine.