New Developments in US-Kazakhstan Nuclear Energy Cooperation: Small Modular Reactor Technology Reshaping the Energy Geopolitical Landscape of Central Asia

Kazakhstan's nuclear energy ambitions are receiving multifaceted support from major powers, with small modular reactors (SMRs) becoming a new foothold for the United States in this strategic field.

On December 22, 2025, the US Embassy in Astana announced that the US and Kazakhstan had reached a nuclear energy cooperation agreement, under which the US will assist Kazakhstan in training operators of SMRs. According to the agreement, the US will provide an SMR simulator to the Kazakhstan Institute of Nuclear Physics in Almaty, while the US energy company Sargent-Lundy will conduct a feasibility study on building SMRs in Kazakhstan.

This cooperation marks the formal entry of the US into Kazakhstan's nuclear energy development program. Currently, Kazakhstan has signed agreements with Russia and China to build large reactors, while the US involvement brings new technological pathways and geopolitical considerations.

01 Kazakhstan's Nuclear Energy Needs and Strategic Planning

As the world's largest uranium producer, Kazakhstan's nuclear energy development is based on its urgent energy needs and national strategy. According to data, Kazakhstan accounted for 42% of global uranium production in 2022, but its power shortage problem is becoming increasingly severe.

The Kazakh Ministry of Energy predicts that by 2032, the power shortage will reach 17 gigawatts, almost equivalent to the country's current total installed capacity. Faced with this challenge, the Kazakh government held a national referendum in October 2024, with over 71% of voters supporting the construction of nuclear power plants.

Kazakhstan's nuclear energy plan is not a spur-of-the-moment decision. As early as 2002, the government approved the "Concept for the Development of the Uranium Industry and Nuclear Energy 2002-2030." In 2013, it adopted the "Concept for Transitioning to a 'Green Economy'," setting clear targets: by 2030 and 2050, nuclear energy will account for 7-8% of total electricity generation.

President Tokayev emphasized that nuclear energy is one of the keys to Kazakhstan achieving its carbon neutrality goal by 2060. He pointed out, "With the gradual decline of the coal era, in addition to renewable energy, we must also consider reliable sources of basic electricity. Global experience tells us that the best solution is the peaceful use of atomic energy."

02 The Strategic Value and Advantages of US SMR Technology

Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) differ significantly from traditional nuclear power plants. According to data from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), an SMR's annual power generation capacity is approximately 300 megawatts, about one-third that of a large reactor. The core advantage of this type of reactor lies in its modular design, which makes construction cheaper and faster.

The technological characteristics of SMRs make them particularly suitable for the needs of Kazakhstan. The IAEA states, "In areas lacking sufficient transmission lines and grid capacity, SMRs, due to their smaller power generation capacity, can be installed into existing grids or operated remotely off-grid, thus providing low-carbon electricity for industry and residents."

Safety is another major advantage of SMRs. They rely on passive safety systems and natural physical phenomena such as natural circulation, convection, and gravity; the higher safety margin reduces the risk of accidents.

The U.S. State Department's FIRST program is the framework for U.S.-Kazakhstan nuclear energy cooperation, designed to help partner countries develop nuclear energy in accordance with international nuclear safety and non-proliferation standards. Kazakhstan joined the program in 2022, becoming the first U.S. partner in Central Asia.

The U.S. stated explicitly that providing an SMR simulator is a "prerequisite" for participating in the construction of SMR units in Kazakhstan and other Central Asian countries. This simulator will serve as a regional training center for the Central Asian region.

03 The Nuclear Energy Game Between Major Powers in Central Asia

Kazakhstan's nuclear energy market has become an arena for competition among major powers. In August 2025, construction officially began on Kazakhstan's first nuclear power plant, led by Rosatom, located on the shores of Lake Balkhash, and utilizing Russian third-generation VVER-1200 reactor technology.

This nuclear power plant has a designed installed capacity of 2.4 gigawatts, with a total investment of approximately $14 billion to $15 billion, and is expected to be completed between 2035 and 2036. Alexei Likhachev, CEO of Rosatom, personally attended the launch ceremony.

China also plays a significant role in Kazakhstan's nuclear energy sector. Following Russia's acquisition of the contract for its first nuclear power plant, Kazakh Energy Minister Almasadam Satkaliev confirmed that China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) would lead another international consortium to build "another" nuclear power plant in the future.

Tokayev explained to Chinese President Xi Jinping that Kazakhstan needs two to three nuclear power plants, and CNNC is considered a "reliable strategic partner," guaranteeing its market share in Kazakhstan.

The US's involvement in the SMR field reflects its differentiated competitive strategy. Unlike China and Russia, which focus on large-scale nuclear power plants, the US has chosen small modular reactors (SMRs) as its entry point due to its technological advantages.

04 The Geopolitical Dimension of Nuclear Energy Cooperation

US-Kazakhstan nuclear energy cooperation transcends the purely energy sector, possessing broad geopolitical implications. In 2025, the US and Kazakhstan signed 29 bilateral agreements totaling $17 billion, covering core areas such as key mineral development, aircraft manufacturing, and digital technology. These agreements form a triple-binding framework of "critical minerals - high-end manufacturing - digital technology." In terms of mineral cooperation, US companies have acquired a 70% controlling stake in Kazakhstan's tungsten mines, which hold over 30% of the world's reserves.

The US State Department explicitly stated in its strategic documents that this move aims to reduce Central Asia's dependence on Russia and China and diversify its mining partners. Nuclear energy, as a strategic energy sector, has naturally become an important part of the US strategy.

Kazakhstan, on the other hand, is attempting to maintain a balance among major powers. Tokayev stated that Kazakhstan needs not just one, but three nuclear power plants, meaning there will be room for multiple suppliers in the future. This multi-pronged approach is both for acquiring technology and for maintaining geopolitical balance.

Kazakhstan is also actively building its domestic nuclear energy capabilities. In October 2025, the government announced plans to build two "nuclear science cities" in Almaty and Kurchatov to integrate research, education, and industrial infrastructure, promoting the localization of the entire nuclear energy, nuclear medicine, and nuclear fuel industry chain.

05 Challenges and Prospects

Despite the promising prospects of US-Kazakhstan nuclear energy cooperation, numerous challenges remain. Concerns about nuclear safety exist within Kazakhstan. The prominent Nevada-Semi movement and its leader, Orzas Suleimanov, have consistently opposed the construction of nuclear power plants in Kazakhstan.

Opponents have cited seven main reasons, including corruption risks, human factors, earthquake hazards, a lack of professional personnel, the threat of terrorism, nuclear waste disposal issues, and the feasibility of renewable energy. These concerns cannot be ignored, requiring the government to strengthen safety oversight and public communication as it advances its nuclear energy program.

Geopolitical challenges are equally significant. Some analysts believe that Kazakhstan's short-term strategy of maintaining a balance between Russia and China may, in the long run, lead to its geopolitical isolation. As competition intensifies among the US, Russia, and China in Central Asia, Kazakhstan's diplomatic balancing act will face increasing pressure.

Technological integration is another major challenge. Kazakhstan plans to cooperate with multiple countries simultaneously on nuclear energy, but effectively integrating the technologies, standards, and management systems of different countries requires complex coordination capabilities and institutional design.

From a global perspective, Central Asia is emerging as a new nuclear energy market. Besides Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan are also committed to developing nuclear energy. The United States, by training regional personnel, may lay the foundation for the future promotion of SMR technology throughout Central Asia.

As the country with the world's richest uranium resources, Kazakhstan's nuclear energy development path is a matter of great concern to major powers. The introduction of US SMR technology provides Kazakhstan with more diverse options and also brings changes to the energy landscape of Central Asia.

With the implementation of large-scale nuclear power plants in Russia, potential projects in China, and US small modular reactor (SMR) technology, Kazakhstan is becoming a global showcase for nuclear energy technology. This diversified cooperation model may provide a new paradigm for nuclear energy development in other countries.