The key facts

  • Kazakhstan is negotiating with the Chinese corporation on the second nuclear power plant, Moyynkum
  • The terms of the agreement and the construction timeline are still under discussion; the goal is implementation by 2035
  • The first plant, Balkhash, in the Almaty region is being built under a contract with Rosatom (2.4 GW, start in 2027)

Talks on the second nuclear power plant

Kazakhstan is holding talks with the China National Nuclear Corporation on the construction of a second nuclear power plant — Moyynkum. This was announced by the country's Minister of Energy Erlan Akkenzhenov, as reported by Kazinform (Daryo.uz cites him). According to the minister, 'the terms of the agreement and the construction timeline are currently being discussed. We hope the projects will be implemented by 2035.' No agreement has been signed yet — at this stage, only the talks have been confirmed.

Context: the first nuclear power plant and uranium reserves

Kazakhstan's first nuclear power plant — Balkhash — is planned for the Almaty region. In September 2026, Russia's Rosatom and the organization Kazakhstan Atomic Power Stations signed a contract for the construction of two power units with a total capacity of 2.4 GW; construction is scheduled to begin in 2027. Thus, the talks with the Chinese corporation mean that Kazakhstan is counting on a second plant with a different partner, without waiting for the first project to be completed. Earlier, Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov ordered the creation of a state strategic uranium reserve for nuclear power plants.