Tokayev proposes starting construction of Balkhash nuclear plant next year

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev proposed starting construction of the Balkhash nuclear power plant next year. In his Address to the people of Kazakhstan, he said this could be done and was even necessary. He also called for a comprehensive cooperation agreement to start building the Moyynkum plant as soon as possible, and said Kazakhstan's national interests must be taken into account in negotiations.

Tokayev said Kazakhstan should reach a stable energy surplus by 2029. To do so, it needs new power stations and grids, modernization of existing facilities, clean coal generation and renewable energy, above all solar. The government was tasked with drawing up a unified long-term energy balance through 2035.

On uranium supply for future plants, the president proposed creating a state strategic uranium reserve that could secure fuel for Kazakh nuclear stations into the next century. He also invited foreign partners to set up high-tech production and train domestic specialists, noting such proposals were coming from Russian and Chinese companies. In a referendum on 6 October 2024, more than 70% of voters backed the first nuclear plant. In September 2026, Kazakhstan signed an agreement with a company within Rosatom on designing, supplying and building the Balkhash plant.