Decision on Nuclear Power Plant

Voters in Kazakhstan will decide on Sunday whether to allow the construction of a nuclear power plant. Concerns about environmental impact and reliance on China and Russia for technology have sparked debate.

Current Energy Landscape

Kazakhstan is the world’s largest uranium miner but has not used nuclear energy since 1999. Last year, the country faced a power deficit due to emergency shutdowns at old plants and a rise in energy-intensive crypto mining. This shortfall caused temporary declines in oil output and hindered industrial development.

Government’s Approach

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev called the referendum to gauge public support for nuclear power. The government is cautious after deadly riots in early 2022, which led Tokayev to hold a national referendum to shift away from the previous administration’s legacy.

Expert Insights

“Holding this referendum legitimizes a decision to build the plant that seems already made,” said George Voloshin, an analyst at ACAMS.

Public Concerns

Some voters worry that a new plant could increase dependence on Russia or China. Both countries build reactors and work with Kazakhstan on nuclear projects. Concerns about corruption and potential environmental damage resonate in a country that conducted nuclear tests during the Soviet era.

Future Power Generation Goals

Kazakhstan aims to expand power generation to 26.5 gigawatts by 2035, with 2.4 gigawatts from nuclear sources. As of January 1, the country’s power capacity was 20.4 gigawatts.

Presidential Support

Tokayev urged support for the project, calling it the largest since the Soviet Union. “It will ensure sustainable progress for our country for decades,” he stated.

Potential Builders

Potential builders include:

• China National Nuclear Corp
• Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co.
• Rosatom Corp (Russia)
• Electricite de France SA

Public Decision-Making

The referendum allows the public to make the decision, according to Dosym Satpayev, director of the Almaty-based Risk Assessment Group. He noted fears of protests.

Ongoing Energy Challenges

Kazakhstan faced a 1.5-gigawatt power deficit last fall and winter, covering the shortfall by buying electricity from Russia.

“Whether or not a nuclear plant is built, the looming energy deficits and aging infrastructure from the Soviet era will not disappear,” Voloshin warned.

(By Nariman Gizitdinov)