Russia Begins Construction Kazakhstan Nuclear Plant Ulken

Kazakhstan has officially begun engineering and survey work for its first nuclear power plant near the village of Ulken, with construction planned to complete by 2035-2036. The project, led by Russian firm Rosatom with additional plants to be built by China, aims to address Kazakhstan's power shortages despite its vast uranium resources, as the country is the world's largest uranium producer and a key supplier to the European Union. The initiative enjoys broad public support, with over 70% approval in a 2024 referendum and strong local backing near Ulken. The nuclear power plant is expected to cost around $14–15 billion, with an extra $1 billion allocated for social infrastructure. This development is part of Russia's broader strategy to maintain influence in Central Asia, competing with China and Europe for regional presence. Given Kazakhstan's sensitive history with Soviet-era nuclear testing, the project emphasizes safety, reliability, and economic growth for the region.