Russia Says Balkhash NPP Construction Will Boost Kazakhstan's Nuclear Energy Industry

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin recently stated that the construction of Kazakhstan's first nuclear power plant, the Balkhash NPP, will help the country establish a modern nuclear energy industry. Rosatom, Russia's state atomic energy corporation, is participating in the project as the lead party.

Speaking at the plenary session of the Third Russia-Kazakhstan Media Forum, Galuzin said that Russia and Kazakhstan cooperate in multiple areas, with the Balkhash NPP being one of the recent collaborative projects. He noted that the plant will be built to a Russian design and, once completed, will provide a foundation for the development of Kazakhstan's nuclear energy industry.

According to current plans, the Balkhash NPP project is scheduled to begin construction in 2027 and be completed by 2035. The decision to construct the plant was made following a national referendum held in Kazakhstan in 2024.

The Balkhash NPP is an important project in Kazakhstan's advancement of its domestic nuclear power construction. Rosatom's participation in the project means that the two sides will continue cooperation in nuclear power engineering, technical solutions, and industrial support.