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Empowering Kazakhstan’s Future: Navigating Diplomatic, Energy, and Geopolitical Challenges in the Nuclear Power Referendum

Never short of diplomatic acumen, on September 2, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a decree on holding a referendum on the construction of a nuclear power plant (NPP) in Kazakhstan. Tokayev’s goal is to ensure that arguments for nuclear energy are compelling and to involve citizens, scientists, and government officials in the decision-making process. However, it's crucial that the public are fully informed about these plans as Kazakhstan finalizes the first stage of its new nuclear development. With demand for electricity soaring, it can be argued that the case for the NPP is compelling. Officials forecast that electricity deficits are set to worsen, leading to a reliance on imports, such as was the case in the 1990s. In the first three months of 2024 alone, tariffs rose by 26%. Electricity in Kazakhstan is currently generated by 222 power plants under various forms of ownership, with 84% coming from fossil fuels, hydropower accounting for 12%, and less than 2% coming from solar and wind installations as of 2019. Renewables had expanded to 5.92% by 2023, but the deficit continues to grow. Old-Timers and Newcomers On October 6 of this year, the Kazakhstani people will give the final answer in a referendum on whether nuclear power will become a component of their everyday lives or whether nuclear-phobia, connecting both the memory of atomic testing at Semipalatinsk and persistent distrust in the ability of officials to build something grandiose without embezzlement, will prevail. The example of the LRT (the project for elevated light-rail transportation in Astana, which was to be implemented back in 2013) stands as a stark monument to corruption which has even penetrated the cultural code of today's youth. One of the first episodes of a then-popular show hosted by politician and businessman, Bulat Abilov, was devoted to nuclear energy and the need to build nuclear power plants. Abilov's inspiration for this topic was Mukhtar Dzhakishev. The former Head of Kazatomprom and Deputy Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, on November 10, 2009, Dzhakishev was charged with the theft of Kazatomprom property and the receipt of bribes, and was sentenced to fourteen years imprisonment. Subsequently found guilty on separate charges related to embezzlement, fraud, involvement in organized crime and the abuse of power, he was sentenced to a further ten years to run concurrent to his prior sentence. Dzhakishev was released in March 2020, but this episode has led neither man to change their position - nuclear power plants are the best thing for Kazakhstan in light of coming energy shortfalls. Agitators for the NPP, who also include the General Director of Kazakhstan Nuclear Power Plants JSC, Timur Zhantikin, and specialists from the Institute of Nuclear Physics of the Ministry of Energy, have, however, encountered vociferous opposition. Some still oppose the NPP, such as ecologist Mels Yeleusizov. The arguments among those resistant to construction of the NPP have long remained unchanged, with seismic hazards, radiophobia, and corruption at the forefront. The pressure on emotions has also remained unwavering, with slogans such...

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Nuclear Plant Referendum in Kazakhstan Will Cost $33 Million

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 Kasym-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.

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Kazakhstan to Hold Nuclear Plant Referendum on October 6

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.

Obituary Nuclear Energy

Top Nuclear Expert in Uzbekistan Dies at Age 79

Behzod Yo'ldoshev, a prominent Uzbek scientist who was deeply involved in international efforts to ensure the safe use of nuclear power and was a key player in Uzbekistan’s ongoing drive to build a nuclear power plant for energy generation, has died. Yo’ldoshev, president of the Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan, worked as a scientific adviser at the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency and “received wide international recognition in the field of high-energy physics,” the office of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev said in a statement. After Yo’ldoshev died at the age of 79 on Wednesday, Mirziyoyev visited his family at their home, where mourners prayed and recited verses of the Quran. The Uzbek scientist collaborated with the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, an international center in the Moscow region where he earned his PhD in physics and mathematics, and also had teaching jobs at Stanford University and the University of Washington. Yo’ldoshev published several hundred scientific papers on particle and nuclear physics and other topics, and held more than 20 patents on nuclear applications, according to Stanford. “Uzbek science has suffered a heavy loss,” the Uzbek sciences academy said on social media. Others paying tribute to Yo’ldoshev included the Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics of the National University of Uzbekistan, as well as Gennady Krasnikov, president of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Uzbekistan has been planning to build a nuclear power plant with Russian help for years, but the project has encountered delays. The project got a boost in May when Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Tashkent and signed a new deal to build a smaller plant than previously envisioned. Yo’ldoshev was involved in the fitful efforts to deliver nuclear power in Uzbekistan. In 2019, he was in Vienna to inform the International Atomic Energy Agency that the plant would be built in line with the U.N. watchdog’s requirements. In 2020, Rosatom, Russia’s nuclear energy agency, gave Yo’ldoshev a medal for his contributions to the use of atomic energy. Over his decorated career, Yo’ldoshev contributed to international non-proliferation work, such as upgrading research reactors, developing ways to stop illicit trafficking of nuclear material, as well as the transport and securing of highly enriched spent fuel. His other roles included director of the Institute of Nuclear Physics of the Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan and as a member of parliament.

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Kazakhstan Officially Backs Nuclear Power Referendum

The government of Kazakhstan has approved a draft resolution to hold a national referendum on constructing a nuclear power plant (NPP). The meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, discussed the prospects for developing nuclear energy in the country. Energy Minister. Almasadam Satkaliyev noted that the referendum will allow Kazakhstanis to make an important decision about the future of the country's energy security. Bektenov emphasized that Kazakhstan has mastered almost the entire cycle of nuclear fuel production and has experience with small reactors. However, the current shortage of energy capacity requires new solutions to avoid purchasing electricity from abroad. With the global abandonment of coal-fired power plants and the limited potential of renewable energy sources, the development of nuclear power is the most promising direction. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, 415 nuclear power units operate worldwide, and 61 new units are under construction in 15 countries, including China and the UK. With its significant uranium resource base, Kazakhstan can ensure stable electricity tariffs and independence from raw material price fluctuations. Modern NPPs have a multi-level safety system that meets IAEA international standards. According to Bektenov, nuclear power should become the basis for Kazakhstan's energy-intensive economy, stimulating innovation and industry development. The draft resolution was supported unanimously. The Ministry of Energy and the Government Office were instructed to submit a draft decree to the Presidential Administration. Talks 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 remains 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 Oblast, near the village of Ulken. These plans sparked lively public debate and protests among residents and environmentalists. President Kassandra-Jomart Tokayev proposed a national referendum to give citizens a say on this critical issue.

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Who Will Benefit if Kazakhstan Refuses To Build Nuclear Power Plants?

Kazakhstan is facing a growing energy deficit while having large reserves of uranium which would allow the country to develop its nuclear power industry. However, so far, uranium mined in the country is used solely for export, and every year difficulties with supply chains only increase. All these problems can be solved in one elegant way, but this solution is what a part of the Kazakhstani public actively opposes. Difficulties with production and supplies Kazakhstan ranks second in the world in terms of proven reserves of natural uranium. About 14% of the world's proven reserves are concentrated in the country's subsoil. According to estimates, the country's explored reserves contain more than 700,000 tons of uranium. In 2009, Kazakhstan became the world's largest uranium producer and continues to maintain its leading position in the global market, producing approximately 40% of the world's uranium. In 2021, uranium production in Kazakhstan amounted to 21,800 tons, but by 2023 this had decreased to 21,112 tons. Moreover, due to difficulties related to the availability of sulfuric acid, the national company Kazatomprom reduced production plans for 2024. According to the initial plan, between 25,000 and 25,500 tons were to be produced; now, the plan is to produce 21,000 to 22,500 tons. Kazatomprom has also stated that if limited access to sulfuric acid continues through 2024 and the company fails to reduce the construction backlog at new sites, it could have a negative impact on production plans for 2025. Uranium mining in Kazakhstan is carried out solely by in-situ leaching, the most environmentally safe and lowest-cost method available. The Russia-Ukraine conflict could not help but affect this area of Kazakhstan's exports. This year, it became known that Kazakhstan is working on diversifying its uranium export routes, bypassing Russia. This is stated in the report on implementing the concept of development of Kazakhstan's fuel and energy complex for 2023. As part of this, Kazatomprom is working on an agreement with the Chinese companies CNUS, CNEIC, and CNNC to provide uranium transit services through China. Kazakhstan currently transports uranium products to customers in North America and Europe through the port of St. Petersburg. An alternative way is to use the Trans-Caspian international transportation route, with shipments through the ports of Aktau (Kazakhstan), Alyat (Azerbaijan), and Poti (Georgia). Nuclear deadlock Obviously, some of the concerns of Kazakhstan's leadership and Kazatomprom regarding the sale of uranium products could be alleviated by developing the country's own nuclear industry, meaning that uranium mined in the country would feed its own nuclear power plants. Talks about the need to build nuclear plants in the country have regularly been raised since the beginning of the 2000s. Kazakhstani nuclear physicists and nuclear specialists, with the persistence of a Don Quixote have periodically rush to attack the windmills of Kazakhstani radio-phobia, which, however, did not arise without reason. The Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site (SNTS) and the Chernobyl disaster are two significant elements of this phobia. In the early 1990s, when the SNTP was closed, the...