EditKazakhstan strengthens domestic electricity supply to eliminate imports by 2027
Nuclear power forms a key element of the long-term strategy for stable baseload capacity
Kazakhstan, a major global exporter of fossil fuels – primarily oil and also significant volumes of coal and natural gas – is taking decisive steps to achieve balance in its domestic electricity supply. The country aims to eliminate electricity imports by 2027 as new power generation facilities come online, supporting reliable energy for its economy while continuing its role as a key energy supplier on international markets.
Deputy Energy Minister Sungat Yesimkhanov shared the updated timeline during a government briefing. “If we commission all the planned energy facilities by the end of this year or the beginning of next year, then I think we will not be buying [electricity from Russia] at all in 2027,” he stated.
The electricity production-consumption gap has been narrowing: it was 2.1 billion kWh in 2024, is expected to fall below 1.5 billion kWh this year, and is projected to reach zero by 2027 through increased domestic output.
This progress supports the strengthening of Kazakhstan’s Unified Energy System. The Ministry of Energy is advancing 81 power generation projects totalling around 15.3 GW in capacity. Plans include commissioning approximately 2.6 GW in 2026 and an additional 1 GW in 2027, with a focus on flexible and maneuverable generation. These developments are set to fully cover domestic electricity needs by the end of the first quarter of 2027.
Nuclear power forms a key element of the long-term strategy for stable baseload capacity. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has approved the Strategy for the Development of the Nuclear Industry until 2050. It foresees at least three nuclear power plants in operation by 2050, with consideration for a fourth to meet growing demand. The first facility near Ulken on Lake Balkhash is progressing via an international consortium, with plans for additional plants and exploration of small modular reactor technologies. These initiatives aim to bolster energy security, drive sustainable development, meet climate goals, and foster high-tech domestic capabilities.
Renewable energy development complements these efforts. The government is actively promoting wind, solar, and hydropower through auctions and investment frameworks. In 2025 alone, nine new renewable projects with 503 MW capacity were commissioned, adding to an existing portfolio of 162 facilities totalling 3.5 GW. These projects align with the national Green Economy Concept and contribute to a more diversified and sustainable electricity mix.
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A key driver of Kazakhstan’s electricity needs is the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure, designated as a top national priority. Tokayev has proclaimed 2026 the Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence, establishing a dedicated Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development to spearhead the country’s transformation into a regional cognitive economy and data center hub.
Major initiatives include the ambitious Data Center Valley project in Ekibastuz, with potential capacity scaling to 1 GW, alongside significant investments in sovereign supercomputing clusters and AI ecosystems. These data centers and high-performance computing facilities are highly energy-intensive, often compared to large industrial plants in their electricity consumption, creating substantial additional demand for reliable, baseload power. By aligning the development of new generation capacities – including nuclear, renewables, and flexible sources – with these digital ambitions, Kazakhstan is positioning AI not only as a catalyst for economic diversification and technological sovereignty but also as a strategic factor underscoring the urgency of achieving robust domestic electricity supply security.
Kazakhstan and the European Union maintain a robust and mutually beneficial strategic partnership in the energy sector, grounded in the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement and reinforced through high-level dialogues and joint initiatives. As a reliable supplier of oil, natural gas, and uranium – accounting for a significant share of EU energy imports – Kazakhstan plays a key role in supporting Europe’s energy security while advancing collaborative projects in renewable energy, green hydrogen, and critical raw materials. Notable examples include the Strategic Partnership on sustainable raw materials, batteries, and renewable hydrogen value chains, alongside major investments such as the Hyrasia One project for large-scale green hydrogen production powered by renewables and EU-backed financing for renewable generation and grid modernization through institutions like the European Investment Bank.
These efforts align with Kazakhstan’s Green Economy Concept and nuclear development plans, as well as the EU’s goals for a sustainable energy transition under the Green Deal and Global Gateway strategy. Through constructive cooperation in technology transfer, infrastructure development, and regional connectivity – including the Trans-Caspian corridor – both sides are fostering long-term energy stability, economic diversification, and shared progress toward climate objectives.
Kazakh officials frame initiatives in the field of energy as essential for the country’s future as an ambitious middle power. By expanding capacities across conventional, nuclear, and renewable sources, Kazakhstan is enhancing the reliability of its electricity supply to support economic growth and investor confidence, while maintaining its established position as a major exporter of oil, uranium and other fossil energy resources.
Caption: AI-generated illustrative image.
Updated: May 11, 2026 - 16:18
