BN-350 reactor, Nuclear reactor in Aktau, Kazakhstan
The BN-350 reactor is a nuclear power facility in Aktau that uses three cooling circuits: liquid sodium in the first two and water in the third. The design allowed simultaneous power generation and seawater desalination for local supply.
Construction of this nuclear facility began in 1964 and it connected to the power grid in 1973. After 26 years of continuous operation, it was permanently shut down in 1999.
The facility shaped how people lived in this desert city by providing both power and fresh water for decades. It became part of the region's identity, supporting the growth of Aktau as an industrial center.
The site is not open to visitors as it remains a decommissioned nuclear facility in a restricted security area. Information about the location can be obtained through local museums or information centers in Aktau.
The facility served dual purposes: besides generating electricity, it produced plutonium as a byproduct of its operations. This dual-use design made it a notable example of Cold War-era Soviet technology.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
