The Future of Nuclear Power in Kazakhstan: Preliminary Results of Sunday’s Vote
The preliminary results of Sunday’s vote in Kazakhstan indicate that around 71% of voters are in favor of building the country’s first nuclear power plant. Last year, potential contractors from Russia’s Rosatom, France, China, and South Korea were named by authorities.
The final results of the referendum are expected within a week, with a reported turnout of 63.8%. The proposed site for the power plant is in the Zhambyl District, known for chronic electricity shortages in southern Kazakhstan.
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev envisions an international consortium of global companies with advanced technologies working on the project, although the final decision is pending. The project aims to ensure sustainable economic progress and energy security for Kazakhstan in the long term.
Russia’s Rosatom is a top contender with its VVER-1200 reactor, a cutting-edge technology with a service life of 60 years and 20% higher output than previous models. As of 2022, Kazakhstan leads global uranium production, essential for nuclear power generation. The potential nuclear plant signifies a significant step towards establishing a more diversified energy portfolio for Kazakhstan.