Kazakhstan Confirms Third Nuclear Power Plant with China’s CNNC as Key Partner
Kazakhstan’s Atomic Energy Agency has officially confirmed plans to build a third nuclear power plant in the country, with negotiations currently underway with the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), according to Zakon.kz
The announcement came during a government press conference, where First Deputy Prime Minister Roman Sklyar revealed that both the second and third nuclear power plants will be constructed in partnership with CNNC, one of the world’s leading state-owned nuclear energy corporations. The Chinese conglomerate oversees the entire nuclear energy cycle—from geological exploration and uranium mining to fuel production, power plant construction, and waste management.
According to Sklyar, potential sites for the new plants are being evaluated in coordination with Kazakhstan Nuclear Power Plants LLP and the Atomic Energy Agency. One key criterion is proximity to a stable water supply. A final decision on location is expected within a year.
“The cost of the stations will be determined after the completion of the feasibility studies and design documentation,” said Sklyar. “It’s too early to cite figures now. All matters concerning intergovernmental agreements and the form of cooperation are currently being negotiated with the Chinese and Russian sides. Final decisions will go through parliamentary ratification.”
As previously reported, Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant is set to be built by Russia’s Rosatom in the village of Ulken, located in the Zhambyl District of Almaty Region.
About CNNC
Founded in 1955 and headquartered in Beijing, China National Nuclear Corporation is under the direct supervision of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China. CNNC is a strategic player in both civilian and military nuclear programs and plays a central role in China’s national nuclear strategy. As of 2022, the company operated 25 nuclear units with a combined installed capacity of 23.75 GW and continued to expand with new reactors under construction. Notable projects include the Qinshan, Fuqing, and Jiangsu nuclear power plants.
In January 2025, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev instructed the government and the Samruk-Kazyna Sovereign Wealth Fund to draft a long-term national strategy for nuclear energy development. Tokayev emphasized the need for a clear vision, comprehensive analysis, and the adoption of modern, safe technologies to guide site selection and development of future plants.
References:
https://24.kz/ru/news/economyc/722344-kitaj-postroit-v-kazakhstane-dve-aes
Botakoz Unbayeva
Contributing writer at EUReflect.