Russia says Balkhash NPP to strengthen Kazakhstan's sovereignty

The construction of Kazakhstan's first nuclear power plant, the Balkhash Nuclear Power Plant, led by Russia's Rosatom, will strengthen the country's sovereignty, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin has said.

Speaking at the plenary session of the 3rd Russia–Kazakhstan Media Forum, Galuzin made it clear that there were many examples of cooperation between Moscow and Astana that reinforce the sovereignty of both countries, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

"Among the most recent is our cooperation in building Kazakhstan's first Russian-designed nuclear power plant, which will create a modern nuclear energy industry in Kazakhstan and, more than anything else, will contribute to strengthening Kazakhstan's sovereignty," the senior diplomat noted.

Rosatom is leading the consortium responsible for constructing the Balkhash Nuclear Power Plant, Kazakhstan's first nuclear facility.

Construction is scheduled to begin in 2027 and be completed by 2035. The project was approved following a national referendum held in 2024.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov