Kazakhstan’s Central Election Commission (CEC) has announced that 15.5 billion tenge ($33 million) will be allocated to hold a referendum on constructing a nuclear power plant.
CEC member Sabila Mustafina said the amount includes organizational costs and holding the referendum at 78 foreign polling stations in 63 countries. The main part of the funds — 71% — will be spent on labor remuneration for more than 77,000 election commission members. The referendum will be held on October 6.
Kazakhstan’s president Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a decree on holding the referendum on September 2, 2024. In his address, Tokayev emphasized that constructing nuclear power plants is a strategically important issue for the country. Tokayev noted the need to use reliable and environmentally friendly energy sources in the context of the global energy deficit. He emphasized that today, about 200 nuclear power plants operate in 30 developed and developing countries. Tokayev noted that it is vital for Kazakhstan to consider long-term national interests, environmental safety, and the population’s needs, as well as the need to make thoughtful decisions on constructing nuclear power plants.
The president also emphasized the importance of public support in making important decisions for the country. He said that the population should have a say in every step related to major infrastructure projects, such as the construction of nuclear plants.
Discussions on constructing a nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan have been ongoing for many years. The need for it first emerged after the closure of the Soviet reactor in Aktau in 1999.
