State of the Nation Address 2026: construction of the Balkhash NPP proposed to start in 2027, 2027 to be the Year of Nationwide Large-Scale Construction

In his Address to the people of Kazakhstan on 28 October 2026, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev set timelines for flagship energy projects, Time.kz reported.

He proposed starting construction of the Balkhash nuclear power plant as early as next year, while concluding a comprehensive agreement to launch the Moyynkum NPP as soon as possible. Foreign partners are to be engaged on the condition of transferring expertise, setting up production in the country and training Kazakh engineers.

The President described current generation of 123 billion kWh as insufficient. The Government has been tasked with reaching a sustainable energy surplus by 2029 through grid modernisation, "clean" coal generation and solar power. New capacity in Turkestan, Kyzylorda, Almaty and Ekibastuz was named among the delayed projects.

The President also proposed declaring 2027 the Year of Nationwide Large-Scale Construction, covering highways and railways, energy and hydraulic facilities, utility networks, airports, stations, hospitals and schools.

For Gateway Logistics this is a long-term signal for project cargo in Kazakhstan: power and industrial equipment, deliveries from China via Khorgos and Dostyk, multimodal schemes, 45 t / 5-axle and 90 t / 10-axle lowbeds, route surveys and permits.

Source: Time.kz, 28 October 2026.