Referendum on nuclear plant is not expected in Kazakhstan

The government is going to seek public support for the nuclear plant project through public hearings. A referendum on the issue isn’t on the agenda, according to Zhandos Nurmagambetov, deputy minister of energy.

«We aren’t going to discuss the practicability of the project itself. First of all, we are going to discuss the technology, financial and economic model of the project as well as a possible location of a nuclear plant. There will be public hearings,» the official told Kursiv.

Journalists also asked him whether foreign partners would push the government to choose one specific technology.

«None of those countries we work with on the project have pushed us. All companies are striving for cooperation. Recently, we hosted representatives of a Korean company. We have negotiated with them. Now, we are waiting for an invitation from China to discuss this topic,» Nurmaganbetov said.

He also noted that despite statements that the issues associated with the location of the plant and the project timelines will be closed in the first half of the year, there isn’t 100% certainty over this issue.

The deputy energy minister hasn’t ruled out that the Ministry of Energy itself might be one of the reasons for the delay. However, he highlighted that rush isn’t good here and it is necessary to make an informed decision.

Kazakhstan is striving toward a nuclear power plant

In December 2021, Ex-President Nursultan Nazarbayev announced the construction of a nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan. At the time, he said that the country was already negotiating with China about the potential supply of energy from Kazakhstan. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev suggested discussing the issue in a nationwide referendum if necessary.

On April 5, 2023, Minister of Energy Almasadam Satkaliyev said that Kazakhstan is negotiating with six different countries about a potential nuclear power plant. Moreover, the country will rely on an international consortium rather than a single technology. The Balkhash Lake is considered as the most suitable location for the plant, although it is supposed to be finally approved during the public hearings.