Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the President of Kazakhstan, has declared that a referendum will be held this autumn to determine whether the country will proceed with the construction of a nuclear power plant. This announcement marks a step in Kazakhstan's energy strategy, aiming to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and diversify its energy mix.
While the exact date of the referendum has yet to be specified, President Tokayev emphasized the importance of establishing a stable energy source to bolster economic development.
He highlighted ongoing discussions surrounding the proposed nuclear facility, acknowledging diverse opinions within the country and encouraging active participation from the media.
"There is a great opportunity to develop nuclear energy in the country. It should be utilized correctly and effectively," President Tokayev asserted, underlining that the ultimate decision rests with the people through the upcoming referendum.
The initiative to reintroduce nuclear power aims not only to enhance energy security but also to curb CO2 emissions, aligning with global efforts towards sustainable development. The Kazakhstan Nuclear Power Plant (KNPP) has been tasked with conducting feasibility studies since 2018, assessing factors such as site suitability and projected power output.
Key details about the proposed plant have begun to surface, including Ulken near Lake Balkhash as the primary location, with Kurchatov as an alternative site. The envisaged plant includes plans for both large reactors and potentially small modular reactors to replace aging coal plants, aiming for nuclear energy to contribute 5% of the national generation mix by 2035.
Kazakhstan, possessing 12% of global uranium resources and uranium production capacity, has a longstanding history in nuclear research and technology. Recent assessments by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have scrutinized the country's site selection processes, stressing international scrutiny and interest in Kazakhstan's nuclear ambitions.
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