Russia Loses Ground in Central Asia’s Nuclear Energy Sector as China Gains Influence

A key revenue stream for Russia in Central Asia is facing potential setbacks as financing for energy projects falters, leading to a shift towards Chinese contractors. Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are increasingly turning to China for nuclear and conventional power projects, challenging Russia’s long-held dominance in the region’s energy sector.

Kazakhstan Diversifies Nuclear Partnerships

Kazakhstan has awarded contracts for power projects to Chinese companies after financing plans from Russia fell through. Harbin Electric International will complete the next phase of construction at the Ekibastuz GRES-2 power station, a project originally slated for Russian firms. This switch is expected to save the Kazakh government nearly $500 million, as Harbin Electric’s bid was less than two-thirds the original Russian estimate. Eurasianet

In 2025, Kazakhstan also shifted contracts for the construction of three power plants in Kokshetau, Semey and Oskemen from Russian entities to Chinese firms. Eurasianet

Regarding nuclear power, Kazakhstan has selected Russia’s Rosatom to lead an international consortium for its first nuclear power plant. Yet, China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) is poised to build Kazakhstan’s second and third nuclear power plants. CSIS Nuclear Network, World Nuclear News. The location for the second plant has been determined to be in the Zhambyl district of the Almaty region, adjacent to the site of the first. World Nuclear News

Uzbekistan Explores Alternatives to Rosatom

Uzbekistan is also signaling potential doubts about Rosatom’s capabilities, engaging France’s Framatome to explore its participation in nuclear plant construction. Discussions focused on “the introduction of modern automated technological process management systems (ASUTP) at nuclear power plants.” Eurasianet

Russia’s Declining Influence

Russia’s difficulties in financing these projects are contributing to a decline in its influence in Central Asia’s energy sector. This shift comes amid broader geopolitical changes, including Russia’s diplomatic isolation following the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Eurasianet Experts suggest that nuclear power projects create long-term dependencies for host states, and Russia’s ability to maintain these dependencies is being challenged by China’s growing economic and political presence.

Kazakhstan’s Nuclear Program

Kazakhstan, the world’s leading producer of uranium, is developing its nuclear power program to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower CO2 emissions. World Nuclear News The country has experience with nuclear technology, having operated a Russian-designed BN-350 sodium-cooled fast reactor for 26 years until 1999, and currently operates three research reactors. World Nuclear News Kazakhstan Nuclear Power Plant (KNPP), a subsidiary of Samruk-Kazyna National Welfare Fund JSC, was established in 2014 to oversee the development of the nuclear program. World Nuclear News