Kazakhstan and China to build two new nuclear plantsCEFR B1
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 Chinese project would use two HPR-1000 reactors and generate 2.4 GW. Officials say the new reactors are meant to help close a growing energy gap and reduce the country’s heavy reliance on coal.
The decision follows a separate contract with Russia’s Rosatom to build Kazakhstan’s first nuclear plant. Rosatom won the tender and began construction at Ulken on the shore of Balkhash Lake; that plant is expected to cost around USD 15 billion and to generate 2.4 GW by 2035. On June 14 Rosatom was announced as the winner, and officials later said a Chinese company would build the second plant; on July 31 the vice prime minister said the same company will build the third plant. Exact sites for the second and third plants have not been announced.
Kazakhstan faces an urgent energy shortage: in the peak months of 2024 demand reached 17.2 GW while maximum generation capacity was 16.6 GW, and the deficit is projected to grow. The government and industry say nuclear power can also reduce air pollution and related health problems.
Difficult words
- reactor — machine that produces energy from nuclear reactionsreactors
- generate — produce electricity or power for use
- reliance — dependence on something for support or fuel
- tender — official offer to carry out a public contract
- construction — process of building something, like a plant
- deficit — amount by which need is greater than supply
- pollution — harmful substances in air, water, or soil
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you think building more nuclear plants will help reduce air pollution in Kazakhstan? Why or why not?
- What other ways could Kazakhstan close its growing energy gap besides building nuclear plants?
- What local benefits and risks might come from building a nuclear plant near a town or lake?
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