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Nuclear Energy

Kazakhstan to Develop Nuclear Science Cities in Almaty and Kurchatov

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has announced plans to establish two “science cities” in Almaty and Kurchatov to support the development of nuclear energy and nuclear medicine. The proposal was unveiled during a meeting of the National Council on Science and Technology. According to Tokayev, the initiative seeks to consolidate scientific, educational, and industrial infrastructure in regions slated for nuclear power plant construction. The Institute of Nuclear Physics in Almaty is expected to serve as the foundation for a new research hub featuring a multipurpose reactor. A second center will be established in Kurchatov, in the Abai region, in collaboration with the Academy of Sciences, the National Nuclear Center, and local authorities. In a 2024 national referendum, a majority of Kazakhstani voters approved the construction of a nuclear power plant. Earlier this year, the government selected Russia’s Rosatom to build the first plant in the Almaty Region. Two additional plants are expected to be developed by the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), though their locations have not yet been confirmed. Tokayev emphasized the broader applications of nuclear technology, particularly in healthcare. He called for the development of domestically produced radiopharmaceuticals and the establishment of nuclear medicine centers to enhance treatment options for cancer and cardiovascular diseases. The president also addressed the country’s shortage of nuclear specialists. To help close the gap, 20 annual scholarships under the Bolashak program will be allocated specifically for training in nuclear fields. Currently, approximately 70 percent of Bolashak scholarships are directed toward engineering and technical disciplines. Kazakhstan possesses about 40 percent of the world’s uranium reserves. Tokayev noted that developing a domestic nuclear industry would allow the country to complete the nuclear fuel cycle and reduce reliance on uranium exports. A fuel assembly plant was launched in 2021, and the commissioning of nuclear plants is expected to make nuclear energy a self-sustaining sector of the national economy. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, in March, the government established a Nuclear Energy Agency to oversee the sector’s development.

Strategic Partnership

Tokayev in New York: $100B U.S. Investment Push Boosts Kazakhstan Ties

Kazakhstan and the United States are continuing to strengthen their strategic partnership, with investment playing a central role. At a roundtable with U.S. business representatives in New York, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stated that American investments in Kazakhstan’s economy have surpassed $100 billion. “Today, more than 630 American companies are successfully operating in our country, including Chevron, ExxonMobil, Boeing, Visa, Mastercard, Meta, Wabtec, and Citibank. We regard the U.S. as an important strategic partner and reaffirm our commitment to further developing multifaceted cooperation,” Tokayev said. The president noted that Kazakhstan’s economy grew by 6.5% in the first eight months of 2025. He added that ongoing political and economic reforms are creating favorable conditions for long-term growth and attracting further investment. Energy and Uranium: The Cornerstone of Cooperation Energy continues to underpin U.S.-Kazakhstan relations. “We recognize and highly value the large and successful investments of Chevron and ExxonMobil over the past 30 years. Despite all the turbulence in regional geopolitics, their presence in our country has never been questioned,” Tokayev said. He pointed out that Kazakhstan supplies about 40% of the global uranium market and nearly a quarter of U.S. imports. Tokayev also highlighted Kazakhstan’s “four sources” strategy - oil, gas, coal, and uranium - and expressed support for the U.S. approach to coal as a reliable energy source in the near term. $4.2 Billion Wabtec Agreement: A Landmark Deal A key outcome of Tokayev’s U.S. visit was the signing of a $4.2 billion agreement with American locomotive manufacturer Wabtec. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, the deal will see Kazakhstan’s national railway company, Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ), acquire 300 ES44Aci Evolution Series freight locomotives over the next decade. U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick described the contract as the "largest in history,” noting it would create approximately 11,000 jobs in Texas and Pennsylvania. “This is not just a story of massive success, it’s an example of how American innovation strengthens global leadership,” he posted on X. Wabtec President and CEO Rafael Santana added, “This project represents KTZ’s ambition to transform Kazakhstan’s railway network into a key bridge between Europe and Asia.” Tokayev has emphasized that Kazakhstan is upgrading transport hubs and rolling out a “Smart Cargo” digital customs and logistics system to streamline east–west and Trans-Caspian transit traffic. Presidential Support: Trump and Tokayev Hold Call The Wabtec agreement was preceded by a phone call between U.S. President Donald Trump and President Tokayev. “I just concluded a wonderful call with the Highly Respected President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Kemeluly Tokayev,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. He emphasized the significance of the locomotive deal and linked it to his broader support for revitalizing U.S. infrastructure. “We need to support our rail industry, which has been attacked for years by ‘fake environmentalists.’ Now railroads are coming back and fast!” he said. Observers noted that Trump’s personal involvement underscored the political importance of the agreement for bilateral relations. Green Energy Progress: SAF Plant with LanzaJet Another notable development was the agreement between Kazakhstan’s national oil...

Exports

What Drives Kazakhstan’s Threefold Growth in High-Tech Exports

Kazakhstan has sharply increased its presence in the global market for high-tech goods in recent years. According to analysts at Finprom.kz, the country’s high-tech exports nearly tripled, rising from $2.5 billion in 2021 to $7.3 billion in 2024. Geography and Growth Dynamics This surge was driven less by a physical increase in exports, up 9.7%, and more by rising global prices and the growth of re-exports. Since 2022, amid shifting geopolitical dynamics, Kazakhstan has emerged as a key player in re-export chains for complex technical equipment. The Bureau of National Statistics reports that nearly 77% of high-tech export value in 2024 ($5.6 billion) was attributed to companies registered in Astana and Almaty. However, this reflects business registration patterns rather than actual production. For example, a Kazakh-Chinese joint venture in Ust-Kamenogorsk manufactures fuel assemblies for nuclear reactors, yet its exports are registered as originating from Almaty. Uranium: The Strategic Core Uranium and its compounds remain Kazakhstan’s dominant high-tech export, comprising 62.7% of the total in 2024, or $4.6 billion. Over the past three years, the value of uranium exports rose 2.6 times, while the physical volume increased by just 16.7%. The key driver was a sharp spike in global uranium prices: in the first half of 2024 alone, the spot price rose by 73%, while long-term contract prices also trended upward. Aviation and Leasing Structures Aircraft ranked second in terms of profitability. In 2024, exports of airplanes and helicopters exceeded $940 million, 30 times higher than in 2021. Ireland was the largest reported buyer. However, this spike reflects aviation leasing arrangements rather than direct aircraft sales. As noted in a document submitted by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov to the Mazhilis, Kazakhstan's parliament, Kazakhstan’s national carrier Air Astana operates aircraft registered in Ireland, leading to leasing-related flows being counted as exports. Smartphones, Electronics, and Digital Equipment Smartphones emerged as a fast-growing category, with exports increasing 54-fold to $433 million. Key markets included Central Asian neighbors, Mongolia, and the Czech Republic. Much of the growth occurred in 2022, driven by shifting supply chains amid international sanctions. While the volume of exported computers and digital equipment rose, their total value declined. Notably, exports of digital data processing units fell from $136.6 million in 2021 to $11.6 million in 2024. This discrepancy highlights the predominance of re-exports. In 2024, Kazakhstan produced just 33,000 computing units but exported 744,100. Similarly, it manufactured 7,500 electromechanical devices while exporting nearly 200,000. Broader Export Structure According to QazTrade, the share of high value-added products in Kazakhstan’s exports reached 13.5% or $11.1 billion in 2024, marking a 16.1% year-on-year increase. However, the country’s export structure remains resource-heavy: raw materials account for 63.3% of total exports, followed by low value-added goods at 15.5%, with high-tech processed goods in third place.

Uranium

Kazakhstan to Supply Uranium to Slovakia Under New Memorandum

Kazakhstan’s national nuclear company, Kazatomprom, has signed a memorandum of understanding with Slovenské elektrárne a.s. (SEAS), Slovakia’s largest electricity producer, paving the way for future uranium exports to the Central European country. According to a company statement, the memorandum outlines the potential supply of natural uranium concentrate and, eventually, uranium dioxide (UO₂), to fuel Slovakia’s nuclear reactors. The agreement also sets the stage for identifying additional areas of long-term cooperation between the two energy firms. SEAS operates Slovakia’s two nuclear power plants, Bohunice and Mochovce, which collectively run five VVER-440 reactors. The company generates over 70% of Slovakia’s electricity. A controlling 66% stake in SEAS is held by Slovak Power Holding, with the remaining 34% owned by the Slovak government. “With the signing of this memorandum, we are taking an important step towards strengthening cooperation with our European partners,” said Meirzhan Yusupov, Chairman of the Board of Kazatomprom. “Slovakia is one of the countries where nuclear energy plays a key role in ensuring a sustainable energy supply. We hope this agreement lays the foundation for strong and mutually beneficial relations.” Branislav Stricek, CEO and Chairman of SEAS, emphasized the importance of diversifying nuclear fuel sources and expressed confidence in the long-term potential of partnering with the world’s largest uranium producer. Kazatomprom maintained its position as the leading global producer of natural uranium in 2024, accounting for 21% of total output, up from 20% in 2023. The company’s net profit reached $2.1 billion in 2024, marking a 95% increase year-on-year. Kazakh uranium is currently exported to markets across China, Southeast Asia, Europe, and the Americas. This new agreement with SEAS follows several recent deals with European energy providers. In February 2025, Kazatomprom signed its first uranium supply contract with Swiss firms Axpo Power AG and Kernkraftwerk Leibstadt AG to fuel the Beznau and Leibstadt nuclear power plants. In April, The Times of Central Asia, reported that the company had also entered into a similar agreement with Czech energy giant ČEZ.

Nuclear Energy

Kazakhstan Prioritizes Nuclear Energy in Long-Term Development Strategy

Kazakhstan has identified the development of nuclear energy as a strategic priority for the country's economic future, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced at the Astana International Forum (AIF). “Kazakhstan, which possesses 40% of the world's uranium reserves, views nuclear energy as a key pillar of its national development strategy,” Tokayev stated. “However, sustainable development is impossible without addressing the climate crisis, particularly as Central Asia is among the region’s most vulnerable to climate change. Global warming is occurring here at twice the global average rate.” To address this, Tokayev outlined Kazakhstan’s commitment to a pragmatic and regionally coordinated climate agenda. He noted the country’s participation in various international organizations and agreements focused on environmental sustainability. In 2026, Kazakhstan, in partnership with the United Nations, will host a Regional Climate Summit, aimed at aligning Central Asian strategies with global environmental ambitions. Tokayev also highlighted the recent establishment of the UN Regional Center for Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan in Almaty. “This marks a significant step in our multilateral cooperation. The center will facilitate joint projects, provide technical support, and coordinate international efforts,” he said. At the same time, Kazakhstan continues to promote nuclear non-proliferation. “Today, nine countries possess more than 13,000 nuclear warheads. Experts warn that the risk of their use is rising, whether through miscalculation, accident, or escalation,” Tokayev cautioned. He emphasized the lasting impact of 450 nuclear tests conducted on Kazakh territory during the Soviet era. Public support for nuclear energy has been growing. In a referendum held last fall, over 70% of Kazakh citizens voted in favor of developing the country’s nuclear energy capacity. In January 2025, the government finalized a shortlist of potential technology suppliers for Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant. The contenders include Russia’s Rosatom, South Korea’s KHNP, China’s CNNC, and France’s EDF. The inaugural plant is expected to be built in the Almaty region and operational by 2035. Authorities are also evaluating sites for two additional facilities, with possible locations in Balkhash (southeastern Kazakhstan), Kurchatov (in the Abai region, near the former Semipalatinsk nuclear test site), and Aktau (Mangistau region, home to a Soviet-era experimental reactor). To oversee the development and regulation of the sector, Kazakhstan established the Atomic Energy Agency in March. Reporting directly to the president, the agency is responsible for uranium mining, atomic energy use, radiation safety, and management of the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Safety Zone.

Uranium

Kazakh Uranium to Power Czech Nuclear Plants

Kazakhstan’s National Atomic Company Kazatomprom has signed a contract with Czech energy giant ČEZ a.s. to supply natural uranium for the country’s nuclear power plants. The agreement marks a significant step in strengthening energy cooperation between Kazakhstan and the European Union. Expanding European Reach The contract, signed at ČEZ’s headquarters in Prague, represents a key milestone in the expansion of Kazatomprom’s uranium supply footprint in Europe. Under the seven-year deal, Kazakhstan will provide approximately one-third of the uranium needed for Westinghouse fuel assemblies used at the Temelín Nuclear Power Plant. Both parties emphasized the agreement’s importance for regional energy security and environmental sustainability. “With the signing of this agreement, Kazatomprom continues to expand its presence in Europe and strengthen its strategy to diversify its sales portfolio. This is another important milestone on our way to becoming the preferred partner for the global nuclear power industry,” said Vladislav Baiguzhin, Kazatomprom’s Chief Commercial Officer. Bogdan Zronek, head of ČEZ’s nuclear division, highlighted the strategic value of the partnership: “The partnership with Kazatomprom diversifies our supplier portfolio and is of strategic importance for ČEZ and the Czech Republic. It provides a stable and reliable source of fuel for our nuclear power plants.” ČEZ and the Czech Nuclear Sector ČEZ is Central Europe’s leading energy company, operating six nuclear reactors at the Temelín and Dukovany sites. Together, these facilities supply roughly 36% of the Czech Republic’s electricity. The company is actively advancing its VIZE 2030 decarbonization strategy, aiming to secure a stable, environmentally friendly energy future. Kazatomprom’s Global Standing Kazatomprom remains the world’s largest producer of natural uranium, accounting for about 21% of global primary production in 2024. All production is carried out in Kazakhstan using in-situ leaching, an environmentally safer extraction method. The company is certified under ISO 45001 and ISO 14001 standards. Kazatomprom exports uranium globally, with key markets in China, Southeast Asia, Europe, and North America. Deliveries are made via long-term contracts and the spot market, including through its Swiss-based subsidiary, Trading House KazakAtom. Ongoing International Partnerships The agreement with ČEZ builds on a strategic relationship initiated in 2016, when the two sides signed a memorandum to cooperate on nuclear fuel cycle projects, including exploration, mining, processing, reclamation, marketing, and technological innovation. In February 2025, Kazatomprom also signed its first-ever uranium supply contract with Switzerland’s Axpo Power AG and Kernkraftwerk Leibstadt AG for the Beznau and Leibstadt nuclear power plants. The latest deal further solidifies Kazatomprom’s position in Europe’s energy market and underscores the growing role of nuclear power in the region’s shift toward clean, sustainable energy sources.