Kazakhstan will begin construction of its first nuclear power plant (NPP) in 2027, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has confirmed, describing the project as a cornerstone of the country's future energy security and economic development.

Speaking at a joint session of Kazakhstan's two chambers of parliament, Tokayev said the decision to build the Balkhash Nuclear Power Plant reflects the will of the people, following the historic 2024 national referendum that approved the project, The Caspian Post reports via TASS.

"Kazakhstan is the world's leading uranium producer and already possesses a strong nuclear infrastructure. Choosing nuclear power is the right decision," Tokayev said, calling the referendum outcome a "civilizational choice" for the nation.

The president emphasized that the country's first nuclear power plant will strengthen Kazakhstan's energy sovereignty while providing a reliable foundation for the development of a modern, energy-intensive digital economy.

The Balkhash NPP will be built by an international consortium led by Rosatom State Atomiс Energy Corporation, which was selected by the Kazakh government in 2025.

During Russian President Vladimir Putin's state visit to Kazakhstan earlier this year, Rosatom CEO Alexey Likhachev said the company expected construction work to begin in 2027. Kazakhstan's Nuclear Energy Agency later confirmed the same timeline.