Nuclear Power in Central Asia: Is It the New Frontier?

Central Asian countries of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan are exploring the development of nuclear power.

Last fall, Kazakhstan passed a controversial referendum to build a nuclear power plant. In 2024, both Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan signed memorandums of understanding with Rosatom to construct smaller plants. Despite the region’s ample hydrocarbons and hydroelectric resources, the Central Asian states continue to experience regular power shortages, The Caspian Post reports citing foreign media.

How could nuclear power factor into longer-term energy strategies in Central Asia? How does Rosatom view these markets? And how do local and international politics influence these decisions?

On January 28, the Center for the National Interest hosted the eighth in a monthly series of expert discussions organized by the Center’s Central Asia Connectivity Project.