Kazakhstan Votes on Proposal for Its First Nuclear Plant – Reuters

Kazakhstan is set to hold a referendum on Sunday regarding the construction of its first nuclear power plant, a project backed by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s administration as part of efforts to move away from environmentally harmful coal plants.

The proposal has sparked public concern due to safety issues, the country’s legacy of Soviet nuclear testing, and anxieties surrounding potential Russian involvement in the project.

Popular blogger Vadim Boreiko expressed skepticism, suggesting that the decision to proceed with the nuclear plant, particularly in collaboration with the Russian state nuclear firm Rosatom, has effectively already been made by Tokayev’s government. He described the referendum as a means for the public to merely endorse an already-established decision.

Although Kazakhstan possesses significant natural resources, its population of 20 million primarily relies on coal for electricity, with some contributions from hydroelectric sources and an expanding renewable energy sector. The country is currently importing electricity, mainly from Russia, as its older power plants struggle to meet domestic demand. Coal remains one of the most polluting energy sources available.

The government asserts that a dependable energy supply is crucial for supporting renewable energy initiatives, and given Kazakhstan’s status as a leading uranium producer, nuclear energy is viewed as a rational option. In a statement preceding the vote, Tokayev emphasized the importance of leveraging the nation’s competitive advantages to keep pace with global advancements.

However, Kazakhstan does not enrich uranium sufficiently for nuclear fuel, and estimates for the construction of a nuclear power facility range from $10 billion to $12 billion. Critics argue that similar energy goals could be achieved with gas-powered plants, which, while still fossil fuel-based, are significantly less polluting and carry reduced risks compared to coal.

Kazakhstan’s history with nuclear energy is fraught with challenges. The nation was part of the Soviet Union during the 1986 Chornobyl disaster, and many Kazakhs participated in the subsequent clean-up efforts, leaving them with long-term health repercussions. The area also hosted numerous Soviet nuclear weapons tests, resulting in vast uninhabitable territories and widespread health issues among local populations, leading to a pervasive mistrust toward nuclear projects.

In response to the historical concerns, Tokayev remarked that while it is important not to forget the past, the focus should be on progress and optimism to succeed in the global landscape.