Kazakhstan votes on building its first nuclear power plant

• 2 months ago (2024-10-07)
• David Flin

Asia 897 Nuclear 665

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Kazakhstan has voted in a referendum on 6 October on whether to build its first nuclear power plant as the country seeks to phase out coal-fired plants.

Initial indications from exit polls are that 72 per cent of voters were in favour of building the plan. The plan has, however, faced criticism because of perceived hazards, the Soviet nuclear testing legacy, and fears that Russia will be involved in the project.

The result is due to be announced on 7 October, with China, France, South Korea, as well as Russia among the countries which could be awarded the right to help build the facility, to be located beside Lake Balkhash.

The Kazakh government said a reliable energy supply is needed to supplement renewable sources and, since the country is one of the world’s biggest uranium producers, nuclear power is a logical choice.

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said: “In order not to remain on the sidelines of global progress, we must use our competitive advantages.” Kazakhstan, however, does not enrich uranium to the point where it can be used as fuel.

The cabinet estimates that a nuclear power plant would cost $10-12 billion to build.