Kazakhstan will begin active construction of the Balkhash Nuclear Power Plant in 2027, marking a major step in the country’s long-term energy strategy.

Official spokesperson of the Atomic Energy Agency Shyngys Ilyassov said preparations for the landmark project are already underway, with Kazakhstan and Russia expected to deepen cooperation during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s state visit to the country, The Caspian Post reports via Kazinform.

“Active construction work on the Balkhash Nuclear Power Plant will begin in 2027,” Ilyassov said.

Kazakhstan and Russia may also sign two intergovernmental agreements linked to the project during the high-level talks.

“These documents concern the construction itself and the financial aspects of the project,” Ilyassov noted.

The Balkhash Nuclear Power Plant is set to become Kazakhstan’s first nuclear energy facility and one of the country’s largest infrastructure projects in recent years.

Kazakh companies will participate in the plant’s construction, a move expected to boost local industry involvement, technology transfer and job creation.