Русский
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak has discussed Russian-Kazakh cooperation in the electricity and oil and gas sectors with Kazakh First Deputy Prime Minister Roman Sklyar, while Rosatom has signed a framework agreement for an NPP in Kazakhstan. We summarize these developments as follows:
Oil & Gas Transit
Novak and Skylar discussed the terms for Russian oil and gas supplies to Kazakhstan and transit through the country, with Novak saying, “We consider Kazakhstan our closest ally and strategic partner. Bilateral cooperation is developing across the trade, economic, and investment spheres, with large-scale joint projects underway in industry, energy, transport infrastructure, agriculture, and the digital economy.” Russia remains Kazakhstan’s largest investor, with investment growing 25% year-on-year in 2024.
On Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Russia and Kazakhstan are discussing joint operations in third-country gas markets. This is understood to include supplies and transit from Russia via Kazakhstan to China at the request of the Chinese government. China has already requested. that Russian oil imports to the country are partially routed through Kazakhstan. Other Russia-Kazakhstan supply chains may also extend further into the ASEAN region, with potential for onward shipping to markets such as Indonesia and Malaysia.
OPEC+
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, who is co-chair of the OPEC+ ministerial monitoring committee, has held discussions with Kazakh First Deputy Prime Minister Roman Sklyar.
Novak praised cooperation between Russia and Kazakhstan within OPEC+, which he said plays a decisive role in ensuring stability and predictability in global oil markets. Novak urged continued coordination of collective actions within OPEC+, as they serve long-term national interests and strengthen participating countries’ economies.
Kazakhstan has been among OPEC+ members violating production cut commitments. Earlier this year, the country launched new production capacity at the Tengiz field and has since exceeded its quota by 300,000-400,000 barrels per day each month. Energy Ministry officials said that they would not curb output as they cannot influence foreign field operators. Alexander Novak invited Roman Sklyar and the Kazakh delegation to participate in the annual international forum Russian Energy Week, which will be held from October 15 to 17, 2025 in Moscow.
Russia has been discussing production with OPEC+ nations, with several of the member states to reach consensus on volumes and pricing.
Nuclear Power
Rosatom has signed a roadmap agreement with Kazakhstan for the construction of two VVER-1200 nuclear power plant units, according to Rosatom CEO Alexey Likhachev. He stated that “The roadmap contains the main provisions of the general contract for the construction of two new VVER-1200 power units.”
In addition, a framework agreement was signed between Kazakhstan Atomic Power Plants LLP (the customer for the construction of a nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan) and Atomstroyexport JSC (the managing company of Rosatom’s engineering division), which defines the key principles of cooperation for the implementation of the country’s first nuclear power plant project.
The Kazakh Nuclear Energy Agency chose Rosatom to lead a consortium to build the first nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan, adding that a Russian state export loan was under consideration. Intergovernmental agreements and contracts for building Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant will be signed in November 2025. We previously discussed this agreement here.
Further Reading
Kazakhstan Rail Transit Via Russia & The INSTC Increases By 63% In Q1 2025
