Kazakhstan's Atomic Energy Agency set as a 2026 priority the finalisation of an intergovernmental agreement with Russia on the construction of the Balkash Nuclear Power Plant, alongside signing an EPC contract. Kazakhstan voted in a 2024 referendum to pursue nuclear energy for the first time, with Rosatom as the primary technology partner. The plant targets two VVER-1200 units (2,400 MWe combined) at a site near the Balkash industrial region. Kazakhstan is the world's largest uranium producer through Kazatomprom, providing approximately 40-45% of global primary uranium supply. Domestic nuclear power would create strong internal demand for Kazatomprom uranium.