Kazakhstan and China to build two new nuclear plantsCEFR A2
12 Dec 2025
Adapted from Brian Hioe, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Vilmantas Bekesius, Unsplash
Kazakhstan has agreed with China to build its second and third nuclear power plants. The planned Chinese project would use two HPR-1000 reactors and produce 2.4 GW of electricity. This decision should help with a growing energy shortfall and reduce reliance on coal.
Earlier a Russian company won the tender for the first plant and began construction at Ulken on the shore of Balkhash Lake. That first plant is expected to cost about USD 15 billion and to produce 2.4 GW by 2035.
Energy demand rose in 2024 and was higher than the country’s maximum generation capacity. The government held a referendum in October 2024 in which most voters supported nuclear power, but some critics said the vote was affected by pressure.
Difficult words
- shortfall — A lack of something needed, like electricity
- reliance — Dependence on something for needs
- reactor — A machine that makes heat and electricityreactors
- tender — A process to choose a company for work
- referendum — A public vote where people decide on an issue
- shore — The land next to a lake or sea
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Related articles
Environmental crimes and enforcement in the Dominican Republic
By September 2025 authorities brought 118 cases under Law 64-00. SENPA, the Ministry and prosecutors report many seizures and inspections, and citizens can report offences through the Green Line app or other channels.
Student Protests in Nepal Turn Deadly
In early September 2025 student protests in Nepal began over a social media ban and widened into anger at political failure. Police fired in Kathmandu, killing at least 19 people. An interim prime minister promised elections in March 2026.
Angola’s New Hydropower and Chinese Finance
Laúca dam started operating and became a central part of Angola’s power plans. The projects were built and financed largely with Chinese loans, raising hopes for green energy but also concerns about debt and transparency.
Uzbekistan reaches 2026 World Cup for first time since 1991
On June 5 Uzbekistan qualified for the 2026 World Cup after a draw with the UAE. The success follows recent youth-team wins and reforms in football that began in 2019; the president later honoured the team on June 10.
Chinese fishing in Mauritania threatens local fishers
A long fishing deal with Chinese companies has increased Chinese vessels in Mauritanian waters. Local fishers report overfishing and sharp declines in species, while groups call on authorities to protect coastal livelihoods.
Americans worry about US democracy
A new study by the SNF Agora Institute and Public Agenda, using a national survey of 4,500 Americans, earlier polls and focus groups, finds broad concern about US democracy and notable divides within the Republican Party.