Kazakhstan voted in a referendum to build its first nuclear power plant, with exit polls showing voters backing President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s proposal.
In order not to remain on the sidelines of global progress, we must use our competitive advantages.
The plan was publicly criticised over concerns about the associated dangers of Russia’s involvement. Nearly 64% of registered voters cast their ballots on Sunday, 6 October, according to the Central Election Commission.
Some residents of Ulken, a village on the shores of Lake Balkhash in the southeast of the country where the nuclear power plant will be built, hope the project will provide jobs. Others expressed concern about the impact on the lake’s water quality.
Despite its significant natural gas reserves, Kazakhstan relies mainly on coal-fired power plants, supplemented by some hydro power and a growing renewable energy sector. However, the country also imports electricity, mainly from Russia, as its capacity struggles to meet domestic demand.
The Cabinet estimates that building a nuclear power plant would cost $10-12 billion, with contractors providing the financing. Tokayev stated that he was not referring to any one country or company as a potential contractor.
My personal vision on this matter is that an international consortium would need to work in Kazakhstan made up of global companies that possess the most advanced technologies.
