Construction of Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant begins in Ulken – a historic milestone for the country’s energy future, DKNews.kz reports.
August 8, 2025 – a date that will go down in history. In the town of Ulken, located in Almaty Region, the first practical steps have been taken toward building Kazakhstan’s first large-scale nuclear power plant in the country’s modern history. The work has begun with engineering and geological surveys – a vital stage that paves the way for what will become a high-tech and strategically important facility.
This is more than just a construction project. It marks a new chapter in the development of Kazakhstan’s entire energy system – and with it, a powerful boost for the economy, science, and local infrastructure.
Borehole No. 1 – the first step toward a nuclear future
In Ulken, engineers from Russia’s Rosatom have started drilling the first exploratory borehole and collecting soil samples. This is part of the site’s engineering survey phase – a critical process that will determine whether the location is suitable in terms of seismic stability, hydrology, and other geological factors. At least 50 boreholes are planned, ranging from 30 to 120 meters in depth.
Why is this important? Because before any construction can begin, a comprehensive assessment of the land must be completed to ensure the future plant will be safe, stable, and efficient.
“The launch of engineering surveys in Ulken marks the beginning of Kazakhstan’s first large-capacity nuclear power plant in its modern history. At this stage, we are fully focused on examining the site in detail to be absolutely sure of its suitability. Rosatom is ready to apply all of its experience to deliver this strategically important project for Kazakhstan’s future,” – said Alexey Likhachev, Director General of Rosatom.
It’s not just about the reactor – it’s about people and the future
Almasadam Satkaliyev, Chairman of Kazakhstan’s Atomic Energy Agency, addressed residents of Ulken during the ceremony with a strong message of long-term vision:
“Today is just the first step. But this step defines Kazakhstan’s path toward building a new high-tech industry. We believe this project will become a powerful driver for regional development – bringing with it modern infrastructure, new schools, kindergartens, and social facilities.”
In other words, this nuclear plant is not just about power – it’s about progress, jobs, quality of life, and regional growth.
A nuclear power plant for the 21st century
The planned plant will use state-of-the-art VVER-1200 reactors of Generation III+, with an electrical capacity of 1200 MW. These are among the most advanced and safest nuclear technologies in the world, already in operation or under construction in countries like Russia, Belarus, Turkey, Egypt, China, and Bangladesh.
Each reactor has a designed service life of 60 years, with the possibility of extending it by an additional 20 years.
The project is being developed in full compliance with international standards for safety, environmental protection, and energy efficiency.
Global nuclear community stands with Kazakhstan
During the launch ceremony, greetings and words of encouragement were delivered to the people of Ulken by nuclear professionals from operating or under-construction plants using VVER-1200 reactors – including the Leningrad NPP, Akkuyu NPP (Turkey), Belarus NPP, Paks II (Hungary), and Rooppur NPP (Bangladesh).
Their message was clear: Kazakhstan’s entry into nuclear energy is not only important – it is necessary for sustainable development and long-term prosperity.
Kazakhstan and Russia – strategic partners in energy
Back in June 2025, during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Rosatom and Kazakhstan’s Atomic Energy Agency signed an indicative roadmap for the project. The document outlines key milestones – from engineering surveys to design and the signing of an EPC (engineering, procurement, construction) contract.
In parallel, Kazakhstan Nuclear Power Plants LLP and Atomstroyexport JSC (Rosatom’s engineering division) signed a framework agreement, confirming the core principles of their partnership for the project in Zhambyl District of Almaty Region.
Why this project matters
The Ulken NPP project is about more than just electricity. It’s about energy independence. It’s about reducing the nation’s carbon footprint. It’s about developing domestic nuclear infrastructure and training a new generation of Kazakh nuclear specialists. And it’s about moving from promises of a “green economy” to real, practical action.
Kazakhstan already has experience with nuclear energy. From 1972 to 1999, the BN-350 reactor operated in the city of Aktau. It produced electricity and desalinated seawater – hosting one of the largest desalination facilities in the world. Today, the BN-350 is in the process of decommissioning, making way for a new generation of nuclear technology.
Forward – into the nuclear future
Russia remains a global leader in nuclear energy, not only exporting advanced technologies but also actively training specialists and sharing expertise. Kazakhstan, in turn, is taking bold, decisive steps into the future – and that journey has now officially begun with the first drilling in Ulken.
That first meter of soil drilled is more than geology – it’s a milestone. The beginning of a project that, in just a few years, will reshape the energy landscape of Kazakhstan and become a source of stability, progress, and confidence in the future.
