A popular vote on the need to build a nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan will be held on October 6. President Kasym-Jomart Tokayev announced this during his annual address to the nation.
“Given the growing global energy deficit, we need reliable and environmentally friendly energy sources. Therefore, I believe it is necessary to pay close attention to the development of nuclear energy. This type of generation can largely meet the rapidly growing needs of our economy. About 200 nuclear power plants are operating in 30 developed and developing countries,” the head of state said.
Discussions on constructing a nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan have been ongoing for many years. The idea of the need for a nuclear power plant first appeared after the closure of the Soviet reactor in Aktau in 1999. Since then, the country has repeatedly raised questions about the development of nuclear power, especially in the context of improving energy security and climate change resilience. However, public opinion is divided: many people in the country remember the consequences of nuclear tests at the Semipalatinsk test site and fear environmental risks.
In 2021, discussions about constructing a nuclear power plant intensified when a possible site for Kazakhstan’s first atomic power plant began to be considered in Almaty region, near the village of Ulken. These plans sparked lively public debate and protests among residents and environmentalists.
According to Tokayev, Kazakhstan should consider the future, taking into account long-term national interests and the country’s specifics.
“Every step important for the country’s life should be made with the support of the people. So, it should be done by referendum on the nuclear power plant; this topic has been on the public agenda for a year. I believe this is the time for citizens to make an informed decision. The upcoming referendum will be another manifestation of a broad national dialog and a vivid example of realizing the concept of a ‘listening state.’ In fact, with such steps, we form a new socio-political culture and lay new standards for making key state decisions,” he said.
