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.
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?
Related articles
Forest loss in tropics raises local heat and deaths
A study using satellite data found that tropical deforestation from 2001–2020 exposed 345 million people to local warming and likely caused about 28,000 heat-related deaths per year, mainly in Africa, Southeast Asia and Latin America.
Plague and the role of human fleas in Madagascar
The plague is still endemic in some countries, including Madagascar. Researchers found that the human flea Pulex irritans contributes to outbreaks and that household conditions and insecticide use influence flea levels and control efforts.
Cleaner air in East Asia linked to faster global warming
A study in Nature Communications, Earth and Environment finds recent reductions in aerosol pollution across East Asia, especially China, have probably contributed to faster global surface warming since about 2010. Experts say urgent cuts to emissions and more adaptation finance are needed.