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Kazakhstan and China to build two new nuclear plants — Level A2 — smoke billows from the stacks of industrial buildings

Kazakhstan and China to build two new nuclear plantsCEFR A2

12 Dec 2025

Level A2 – High beginner / Elementary
3 min
123 words

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

  • shortfallA lack of something needed, like electricity
  • relianceDependence on something for needs
  • reactorA machine that makes heat and electricity
    reactors
  • tenderA process to choose a company for work
  • referendumA public vote where people decide on an issue
  • shoreThe 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.

Discussion questions

  • Do you agree with building more nuclear power plants to reduce coal use? Why?
  • Why did some critics say the referendum was not fair?
  • How would more electricity from new plants help people during a shortfall?

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