Nuclear energy's fate in Kazakhstan to be determined by October vote
In just under a month, Kazakhstan will hold a referendum to decide if they should construct a nuclear power plant to meet their escalating energy needs. Nascently envisioning nuclear energy as both dependable and eco-friendly, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has set the date for October 6. The question posed to voters is straightforward: "Do you endorse the construction of a nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan?" However, who will build the reactor remains undecided, should the majority vote favourably.
President Tokayev declared the benefits of nuclear power during his address in parliament on the 2nd of September, referring to it as a key stepping stone in Kazakhstan's political metamorphosis. He emphasized that the referendum would serve as a demonstration of Kazakhstan's commitment to fostering open dialogues and implementing a 'listening state' philosophy. Rights watchdogs,however, question Kazakhstan's ascension as a 'listening state'; for instance, Freedom House categorized its governing system as 'not free' in its recent assessment on individual rights and political freedom.
The government has earmarked 15.5 billion tenge (approximately $32 million) for the October referendum, less than what was allocated for the June 2022 referendum on constitutional reform. Faced with an urging power generation demand, the Kazakh government has been contemplating a nuclear energy transformation for several years, especially in light of Kazakhstan's latest plans to collaborate with Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan to export electricity to Western markets.
Historical concerns surrounding Kazakhstan's past as a nuclear weapons test site and the chilling echoes of the 1986 Chernobyl disaster have left many Kazakhs apprehensive about nuclear power plants. Moreover, there are fears that a nuclear power plant, likely to be situated near Lake Balkhash, could result in potential environmental harm and exacerbate water shortage anxieties within the country.
Preliminary polling data suggests that the majority of Kazakhs support the concept of nuclear power. Meanwhile, the company or consortium that will win the bid to build the nuclear plant remains uncertain. Kazakhstan's authorities are considering proposals from four countries—Russia, China, France, and South Korea. Although the outcome is yet to be announced, ongoing reports indicate a strong preference for China's China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), whose aggressive pricing and the presence of a Kazakhstan-China joint venture may seal the deal.
- As the referendum approaches on October 6, the conversation surrounding Kazakhstan's energy future is increasingly intertwined with culture and politics, as President Tokayev champions nuclear power as a significant stride in the nation's political transformation.
- The financial implications of this decision are significant, as the construction of a nuclear power plant is projected to require substantial investments from the industry, potentially attracting foreign finance due to Kazakhstan's recent plans to export electricity to Western markets.
- However, the general-news landscape is filled with concerns about the environmental impact of a potential nuclear powerplant, particularly regarding its possible location near Lake Balkhash and the potential exacerbation of water shortage issues.
- The future of Kazakhstan's energy sector hinges on the outcome of the referendum, but the question of which country will construct the reactor remains unanswered, with proposals currently under consideration from Russia, China, France, and South Korea, with China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) leading as a strong contender due to its aggressive pricing and Kazakhstan-China joint venture.
