Kazakhstan Votes on Nuclear Power Plant Referendum

ALMATY (Reuters) – Kazakhstan votes in a referendum on Sunday regarding the construction of its first nuclear power plant. This initiative is promoted by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s government as the country aims to reduce coal dependency.

However, the proposal has garnered public criticism due to concerns over safety, a legacy of Soviet nuclear testing, and fears of Russian involvement in the project.

Popular blogger Vadim Boreiko suggested that the decision to collaborate with Russia’s state nuclear firm, Rosatom, has already been made, and the public is merely being invited to endorse it through their votes.

Despite its significant natural gas reserves, the 20 million-strong nation primarily depends on coal for electricity, supplemented by some hydro power and a budding renewable sector. Kazakhstan is already importing electricity, mainly from Russia, with its aging facilities struggling to meet local demand. Coal is perceived as the most polluting energy source.

SOVIET LEGACY

The government asserts that reliable energy is necessary to complement renewable sources. As one of the world’s largest uranium producers, it argues that nuclear energy is a sensible option. “To remain relevant in global progress, we must leverage our competitive advantages,” Tokayev stated before the vote.

Kazakhstan, however, does not enrich uranium for fuel use, and estimates the nuclear plant’s construction costs at $10 billion-$12 billion. Critics argue that gas plants could achieve similar energy goals with lower pollution and risks.

Kazakhstan was part of the Soviet Union during the 1986 Chornobyl disaster, which had long-lasting health impacts on participants in the clean-up efforts. The country also experienced hundreds of Soviet nuclear tests, leading to widespread distrust of nuclear projects due to health and environmental consequences.

“Focusing solely on the past and lamenting doesn’t help,” Tokayev remarked regarding public sentiments. “We must move forward optimistically to succeed in this global race for progress.”