Kazakhstan is set to hold a nationwide referendum on the construction of a nuclear power plant (NPP). The corresponding resolution was adopted at a government meeting. Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov instructed to submit President Tokayev’s draft decree of «On holding a nationwide referendum» to the Presidential Administration. The referendum will enable to make a balanced decision on the development of nuclear energy and ensure the country’s energy security. Bektenov touched upon the prospects of the industry. Thus, having a significant raw material base, the country will be independent of uranium price fluctuations. This, in turn, will allow for stable and predictable electricity tariffs. The country has mastered almost the entire nuclear fuel production cycle, gained experience in the use of small reactors, and has specialists and scientists in this field, along with ongoing personnel training. If the decision is made to build the NPP in Kazakhstan, its design and operation will be carried out in accordance with the strict IAEA international safety standards.
«The transition to the
next stage of nuclear energy development is becoming a natural step, especially
now, as the load on the country’s energy infrastructure increases. To date, we are already
witnessing an energy capacity shortage. Thus, nuclear energy must become the foundation for developing an energy-intensive
economy, which will help achieve a higher standard of living for the
population. Therefore, we cannot overlook a stable and reliable energy source,
as there is no alternative available to us,» said Bektenov.
Editor: Әсел Бақытқызы
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