Kazakhstan plans to stop importing electricity from Russia by 2027

Kazakhstan plans to stop importing electricity from Russia starting in 2027 if all planned energy projects are successfully launched, Deputy Energy Minister Sungat Yessimkhanov said during a press conference.

According to the official, Kazakhstan would be able to fully phase out Russian electricity supplies without waiting for the completion of the country’s first nuclear power plant.

Kazakhstan generated 123.1bn kilowatt-hours of electricity in 2025, while domestic consumption reached 124.6bn kilowatt-hours, leaving the country with a supply deficit partly covered through imports from Russia. Yessimkhanov also noted that part of the electricity purchased from Russia is re-exported to Kyrgyzstan.

The announcement comes as Kazakhstan accelerates efforts to expand domestic energy capacity and diversify international partnerships in the power sector.

Earlier in April, Samruk-Energo Chairman Gairat Maksutov said Kazakhstan had selected Singapore instead of Russia as the contractor for the construction of three thermal power plants in Semey, Ust-Kamenogorsk and Kurchatov.

Construction work in Kurchatov has already started without Russian participation after Moscow reportedly failed to provide guarantees for preferential financing.

Kazakhstan has also adopted a national programme for 2026–2030 focused on expanding coal-based electricity generation. The plan includes the launch of eight new power plants and the modernisation of 11 existing facilities aimed at increasing generation volumes and improving efficiency.

At the same time, Kazakhstan continues developing nuclear energy infrastructure. In 2025, Kazakhstan and Russia began construction of the country’s first nuclear power plant, which is expected to become operational in 2035–2036.

Astana is planning to build three nuclear power plants in total, including one project expected to be constructed by China.