Kazakhstan Votes on Proposal to Construct Its First Nuclear Power Plant

Photo: Reuters 

Kazakhstan has commenced voting in a referendum on whether to construct its first nuclear power plant, an initiative promoted by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's administration. This move is part of a broader strategy to phase out coal-fired power generation, which has significant environmental impacts.

The proposal has faced considerable public skepticism, particularly regarding safety concerns, the legacy of Soviet-era nuclear testing, and apprehensions about potential Russian involvement in the project. Prominent blogger Vadim Boreiko voiced his doubts, stating, “I have come to the conclusion that the decision to build the nuclear power plant with Rosatom has already been made, and the people of Kazakhstan are being invited to polling stations as 'notaries' to authenticate this decision with their votes.”

In Ulken, a village near Lake Balkash—designated as the potential site for the new plant—local residents expressed mixed feelings. While some see the project as an opportunity for job creation, others worry about its environmental impact, particularly on the lake’s water quality. Dametken Shulgeyeva, a long-term resident, articulated her support: “I support the power plant. This is our future.”

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Despite possessing significant natural gas reserves, Kazakhstan primarily relies on coal for its electricity, supplemented by some hydroelectric power and an expanding renewable energy sector. The country already imports electricity, mainly from Russia, as its aging facilities struggle to meet growing domestic demand. Given coal's status as one of the most polluting energy sources, the government argues for a reliable energy supply that incorporates nuclear power alongside renewable sources like solar and wind.

Kazakhstan, one of the world's largest uranium producers, is seen as well-positioned to utilize nuclear energy. President Tokayev emphasized the need for the nation to capitalize on its competitive advantages to stay aligned with global progress. However, it's important to note that Kazakhstan does not currently enrich uranium for fuel.

The estimated cost of constructing the nuclear power plant ranges from $10 billion to $12 billion. Critics of the plan argue that similar energy needs could be met through gas-powered plants, which, although still reliant on fossil fuels, produce significantly less pollution compared to coal.

The memories of past nuclear disasters linger in Kazakhstan, particularly the Chornobyl incident in 1986, which involved thousands of Kazakhs in cleanup operations and resulted in long-term health issues for many. Additionally, the country was the site of extensive Soviet nuclear testing, leaving vast areas uninhabitable and breeding distrust toward nuclear projects.

For the referendum to be deemed valid, more than 50% of registered voters must participate. After casting his vote in the capital, Astana, Tokayev commented that he did not have a specific country or company in mind as a potential contractor for the project. He expressed a preference for an international consortium composed of global companies that possess advanced technologies to undertake the nuclear plant's construction.

As the voting progresses, the outcome of the referendum will significantly shape Kazakhstan's energy future and its approach to addressing environmental and economic challenges.

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