Russia Cements Nuclear Dominance in Central Asia

Russia’s state nuclear corporation, Rosatom, has secured major agreements to construct nuclear power plants (NPPs) in both Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, significantly expanding Moscow’s technological and geopolitical influence in the region. The deals, announced by Rosatom head Alexey Likhachev at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, position Russia as the primary partner for Central Asia’s ambitious nuclear energy programs, which he claimed would be the “best in the world.”

After a competitive selection process that included bids from China, France, and South Korea, Kazakhstan has officially chosen Rosatom to build its first high-capacity NPP. The $11.2 billion facility is slated for construction near Lake Balkhash in the Almaty region and is expected to be completed by 2035. The project will feature advanced VVER-1200 “generation 3+” reactors, a technology already in use in Russia and Belarus and planned for projects in Hungary, Egypt, Turkey, and China.

According to Kazakh energy expert Petr Svoik, the choice was a logical step that extends beyond simple construction. He argued that the partnership with Russia facilitates deeper integration of regional energy systems and crucially includes the development of a joint machine-building complex, an industrial advantage not offered by other bidders. Svoik also stressed the project’s urgency, warning that southern Kazakhstan is on the brink of a severe power deficit.

In Uzbekistan, an existing agreement with Rosatom has been significantly expanded. An initial plan for a small modular reactor (SMR) plant—notably Russia’s first-ever export of land-based SMR technology—has been augmented with a new project for a large-scale NPP, potentially featuring two 1,000 MW power units. The nuclear projects are a cornerstone of Uzbekistan’s strategy to stabilize its energy grid as it aims to increase its share of intermittent renewable sources to 40% by 2030.

In a noteworthy instance of international collaboration on a Russian-led project, the French engineering group Assystem is set to provide technical supervision. The company will act as a technical consultant for the design and construction phases in Kazakhstan and has signed a memorandum to create a joint venture with Uzbekistan’s Uzatom to oversee its nuclear program.

The nuclear deals are emblematic of a wider strategic partnership. Russian President Vladimir Putin recently highlighted ongoing discussions with Astana on joint gas supplies to third countries and new export routes for Kazakh oil. Describing the relationship as a “special, allied” one, Putin emphasized that consultations between the two governments are in a “non-stop” mode, reinforcing a deep-seated cooperation that also spans space exploration at the Baikonur Cosmodrome.