Kazakhstan has officially designated the site for its first nuclear power plant (NPP), while Uzbekistan has also identified a location and announced plans to establish an international consortium. Despite severe power shortages in densely populated regions, concrete timelines for construction remain unclear.
Kazakhstan Finalizes NPP Site Selection
On February 25, Kazakhstan formally approved the construction site for its first NPP. A decree signed by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov designated the Zhambyl district in the Almaty region as the site for the facility.
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev reiterated in January 2025 that Kazakhstan would likely require multiple nuclear power plants, and urged the government to accelerate the construction process.
International Consortium Considered for Construction
Kazakhstan has yet to finalize its choice of technology and contractor. In 2024, Tokayev stated that multiple foreign companies should collaborate on the project through an international consortium. Tokayev emphasized the need for cutting-edge technology from global players.
Several companies and technologies are currently under consideration, including:
- CNNC (China) – HPR-1000 reactor
- Rosatom (Russia) – VVER-1200 reactor
- KHNP (South Korea) – APR-1000, APR-1400 reactors
- EDF (France) – EPR1200 reactor.
Political analyst Gaziz Abishev noted that the selection of locations and contractors reflects Kazakhstan’s multi-vector foreign policy. Abishev suggested that Kazakhstan could ultimately build three NPPs, potentially awarding contracts to Rosatom, a Chinese-French consortium, and a South Korean firm.
While Rosatom remains the frontrunner, only preliminary agreements with Russia have been reported so far.
Urgency Amidst a Growing Energy Deficit
Kazakhstan faces an urgent need to begin NPP construction due to its increasing electricity shortfall. In 2024, electricity consumption reached 120.6 billion kWh, while production stood at 118.3 billion kWh, resulting in a 2.4 billion kWh deficit. By 2025, the deficit is projected to rise to 3.3 billion kWh.
The situation is particularly dire in southern Kazakhstan, where demand far exceeds supply. The region consumes 27.7 billion kWh but produces only 15.3 billion kWh, creating a 12.4 billion kWh deficit. As a result, Kazakhstan is heavily reliant on Russian electricity imports.
Aging infrastructure exacerbates the crisis. In the winters of 2023-2024, power plant failures left residents in the towns of Ridder and Ekibastuz without heat during extreme subzero temperatures. The government reports that 66% of CHPP equipment is worn out, with five major plants, in Uralsk, Stepnogorsk, Taraz, Kyzylorda, and Kentau, operating with over 80% wear and tear. The average age of CHPPs in Kazakhstan is 61 years, with 76% of plants exceeding 50 years of operation.
Experts argue that Kazakhstan cannot achieve energy independence without nuclear power. The energy deficit will continue to grow, particularly in Almaty, the country’s largest city, which is at risk of blackouts and rolling outages.
Uzbekistan Moves Forward with Its First NPP
Uzbekistan is also advancing its nuclear energy plans. The first NPP will be built in the Jizzakh region, approximately 1,000 km from Kazakhstan’s planned plant.
In May 2024, Uzatom signed a contract with Atomstroyexport, a division of Rosatom, for the construction of a 330 MW low-capacity nuclear plant consisting of six 55 MW reactors.
In February 2025, Uzbekistan announced the formation of an international consortium to construct additional NPPs. The head of Uzatom, Azim Akhmedkhajayev, stated that the project would incorporate Russian nuclear technologies along with Chinese, European, and U.S. software and hardware.
U.S. Interest in Uzbekistan’s Nuclear Sector
The United States has also expressed interest in Uzbekistan’s nuclear energy development. In February 2025, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed nuclear investment and critical mineral cooperation with Uzbek Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov.
A U.S. State Department statement indicated that Washington is seeking to collaborate with Uzbekistan on investment opportunities in civilian nuclear energy technologies.
Uncertainties Remain
While both Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have identified sites for their NPPs, major uncertainties remain regarding financing, contractor selection, and construction timelines. However, with worsening energy shortages, pressure is mounting on both governments to accelerate the process.
