
Will Kazakhstan move toward deploying small modular reactors (SMRs) with U.S. support by early 2026?
The United States and Kazakhstan have expanded cooperation in peaceful nuclear energy under the FIRST program, launching joint projects to train SMR specialists, build a regional training center with a reactor simulator in Almaty, and assess the feasibility of constructing SMRs in Kazakhstan with U.S. engineering support. These steps position Kazakhstan as the first Central Asian participant in FIRST and signal a potential shift toward next-generation nuclear energy as a low-carbon, secure power source.
Conditions
Resolves “Yes” if, on or before March 31, 2026, Kazakhstan officially confirms either the launch of the SMR training center in Almaty or publishes a formal feasibility outcome or roadmap for SMR deployment, as reported by Reuters. Otherwise — No.
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