The Kazakhstan’s Atomic Energy Agency (KAEA), a year after it was established, has set out its strategy to 2050 noting that the institutional framework for the development of the nuclear industry is now in place and that a whole system of public administration has been created.
The strategy for the development of the nuclear industry to 2050 is aimed at the formation of a national nuclear cluster. Along with plans for the construction of NPPs it covers science, technology, industry and high-tech production providing an integrated approach to the development of the industry.
With respect to the past year, the main priority was the development of nuclear energy. To this end, the Government approved the Zhambyl District of Almaty region as the location for construction of the first NPP. Following discussions with reactor technology suppliers, Rosatom was selected in June 2025 as leader of the International Consortium for the project.
In August 2025, engineering and survey work began at the construction site. The main stage of field research was completed. Geophysical work was carried out, 60 wells were drilled, about 1,000 soil and water samples were taken for laboratory analysis, and hydrogeological research was carried out. Monitoring of the potential site continues including aero-meteorological, hydrological and other tests.
A nationwide competition was held to determine the name of the first nuclear power plant as an important element of public participation and the facility was named the Balkhash nuclear power plant.
In line with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s address in September, preparatory work has begun on the construction of the second and third NPPs and in January 2026, the Zhambyl District was designated as the area for the construction of the second nuclear power plant. “In addition, issues of possible partnership with Chinese companies are being worked out.”
Systematic work was carried out to form the regulatory framework. The agency, together with interested state bodies, has developed a joint plan to adapt and harmonise Kazakhstan’s legislation taking into account the requirements of the supplier country and the recommendations of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The plan provides for the development of new regulatory documents, as well as the renewal of the existing base that regulates the entire life cycle of the NPP-from design to decommissioning.
At the initiative of the deputies of the Mazhilis, a draft law “on handling radioactive waste” and accompanying legislative amendments aimed at creating an effective radioactive waste management system were developed.
International cooperation is considered as one of the main tools for the development of the industry. In 2025, the agency actively cooperated with the IAEA, conducting expert missions and seminars. During the year, 19 inspections were carried out by the IAEA at the facilities of the nuclear industry of Kazakhstan, according to the results of which no violations were detected.
Regional cooperation is also developing. Kazakhstan took part in the creation of a Regional Center for technical support for the countries of Central Asia, as well as in the activities of the European Union in the field of chemical, biological, radiation and nuclear safety. This contributes to the exchange of experience and the introduction of modern technologies.
Significant attention was paid to the development of scientific and technological potential. Together with the Government, a concept for the creation and development of science towns until 2035 has been developed, which provides for the formation of scientific sites in Kurchatov and Alatau. The scientific and technical Council of the agency was created.
A mechanism for financing scientific research has been introduced: the rules for allocating 1% of uranium mining costs to financing research and development (R&D) were approved. As part of the Infrastructure Development, JSC “park of nuclear technologies” was transferred to the agency’s jurisdiction. At the same time, the main scientific organisations of the nuclear industry – the National Nuclear Centre (NNC) and the Institute of Nuclear Physics (INP) – are being developed.
During the year, a complex of research aimed at the development of reactor technologies, ensuring nuclear and radiation safety, working with nuclear materials, as well as the creation of new materials and technologies was implemented at these institutions.
KAEA said Kazakhstan has a unique world-class experimental base. Making it possible to conduct intra-reactor and materials science tests in an environment as close as possible to real operating conditions, as well as to simulate emergency situations. “This will ensure the conduct of research to substantiate the safety and reliability of reactors, including future generation technologies, and will form the country’s competitive advantage in this area.”
At INP, radiation and isotope technologies are being developed. Opportunities for the production of medical radioisotopes and radiopharmaceuticals used in the diagnosis and treatment of oncological diseases are being expanded. This will allow the transition from scientific research to the practical implementation of these technologies in medicine and industry. It will contribute to the development of nuclear medicine, increasing the availability of high-tech medical care and the formation of export potential.
Kazakhstan maintains a leading position in the global uranium industry. In 2025, the volume of production was about 26,000 tonnes, providing about 40% of world demand. Monitoring the fulfilment of contractual obligations by subsurface users was carried out, and new procurement rules were approved aimed at improving the transparency and efficiency of the industry.
At the same time, work is underway to develop localisation of production. An interdepartmental working group has been created, and together with the business community and government agencies, plans for participation of domestic enterprises in projects for the construction of NPPs are being worked out. Together with the general contractor, a list of goods, works and services is being drawn up to determine the potential for localisation and technology transfer. The agency has developed a comprehensive plan for the development of production localisation of in the nuclear industry to ensure the timely and effective preparation of domestic enterprises for NPP construction.
Special attention was paid to staffing the industry. A working group on personnel development was established and a draft comprehensive training plan for 2027-2031 was developed. A memorandum was signed by KAEA, the Ministry of Science & Higher Education, Kazakhstan Nuclear Power Plants LLP and the Bolashak programme. This provides for the training of specialists, including international internships and training in leading foreign universities.
In the field of environmental safety, comprehensive work is underway to restore the territory of the former Semipalatinsk nuclear test site. According to the results of a study, the area of contaminated land was determined as 833,000 hectares, and areas suitable for economic use – 997,000 hectares. The project to create the Semipalatinsk nuclear safety zone is being implemented.
In 2026, it is planned to move to the next stage of the nuclear programme. Priority areas are the signing of intergovernmental agreements with the Russian Federation on the Balkhash NPP construction project, the signing of the EPC-contract, the approval of the industry development strategy until 2050, the adoption of the law on the handling of radioactive waste, as well as the further development of international cooperation, production localisation and personnel training.
