Rosatom and Kazakhstan sign contract for Balkhash nuclear plant construction

Rosatom and Kazakhstan's KAZS signed an EPC contract to build two power units at the Balkhash nuclear power plant, with a total capacity of 2,400 MW, during the VEF-2026 forum in Moscow on September 3. Rosatom expects to obtain a license and begin construction in 2027, with commissioning planned within ten years. The Russian corporation will lead an international consortium responsible for the full project cycle, from design and procurement to construction and commissioning. Rosatom has been conducting site surveys near the village of Ulken since August 2025, following a 2025 roadmap agreement for two VVER-1200 reactors. The company will complete survey work in 2027 before preparing documentation for construction permits.