The Balkhash NPP will provide 20% of the country's energy consumption; the project is beneficial for both Russia and Kazakhstan. This was stated by Russian President Vladimir Putin following his state visit to Kazakhstan. According to him, the loan is provided at an acceptable interest rate that meets international standards.
We are not just building something, we are creating an industry – we are training specialists, attracting local personnel for joint work. At least 25% of all work is given to our partners.
What is known about the Balkhash NPP
On May 28, 2026, Russia and Kazakhstan signed an agreement on the construction of the Balkhash nuclear power plant near the village of Ulken in the Almaty region. The project involves the commissioning of two power units with VVER-1200 Generation III+ reactors, similar to those Rosatom is building in Turkey, Bangladesh, and Egypt. Active construction work will begin in 2027 after the completion of engineering surveys, which have been underway at the site for a year.
VVER-1200 reactors feature a multi-level passive safety system that ensures residual heat removal even in the event of a complete power loss. Each unit will generate 1200 MW of electrical power, which together will allow the station to cover about 20% of the republic's energy balance. The service life of the main equipment is 60 years with the possibility of extension for another 20.
The phased commissioning of power units is planned for the mid-2030s with an interval of 8–10 months. Rosatom is responsible for the full cycle: from nuclear fuel supply to service maintenance throughout the entire operational period.
At the same time, at least a quarter of all construction, installation, and commissioning works will be carried out by Kazakh contractors. The MEPhI branch in Tashkent is already training local specialists for Kazakhstan.