Kazakhstan supports NPP construction with 71.12% vote

The Central Election Commission has released preliminary results from the national referendum held on October 6 regarding the construction of a nuclear power plant (NPP) in Kazakhstan. A majority, 71.12% of voters, expressed support for the project, while 28.88% opposed it. Out of approximately 7.82mn registered voters, 63.66% participated in the referendum, which was conducted from 07:00 to 20:00 local time.

The ballot posed a straightforward question: "Do you agree to the construction of a nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan?" Voters could select either "Yes, I agree" or "No, I don't agree."

Exit polls conducted by two social research institutes indicated similar levels of support for the NPP. The "Sotsis-A" complex social research institute reported 69.8% in favor, while the Institute of Public Policy recorded 72.3% support among respondents.

The proposed nuclear power plant is set to be constructed on the shores of Lake Balkhash, with the project cost estimated between $10bn and $15bn. Kazakhstan's government has shortlisted several international firms to participate in the construction, including Rosatom from Russia, KHNP from South Korea, EDF from France, and the China National Nuclear Corporation.

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev praised the project as "the largest in the history of independent Kazakhstan," emphasizing that it would be executed using cutting-edge technology by a consortium of global companies.

Despite the strong support from the government and many citizens, the initiative has faced significant opposition from environmentalists and civil society groups. Critics express concerns about the environmental risks associated with the project, particularly given Kazakhstan's historical experiences with nuclear testing. Activists worry about the financial implications for decommissioning the plant in the future and allege that the project primarily serves Russian interests.

In discussing the referendum, President Tokayev acknowledged the divided opinions on nuclear power in Kazakhstan, emphasizing the nation's role as the world's largest producer of uranium. 

"Kazakhstan needs to have its own nuclear generation," he stated, while also recognizing the public's safety concerns due to the legacy of the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site.

The proposed site near Lake Balkhash, the second-largest saline lake in the world, has been chosen to address the energy deficit faced by southern Kazakhstan. The government argues that nuclear energy will provide a solution to escalating consumption, aging infrastructure, and environmental challenges. Plans indicate the new NPP could help stabilize energy supplies in the region by 2035.

Kazakhstan has previously operated the Shevchenko Nuclear Power Plant from 1973 to 1999, which successfully avoided any radiation incidents. The plant was decommissioned due to concerns about its potential to produce weapons-grade plutonium.

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