IAEA pledges support for Kazakhstan’s nuclear power plant construction

Rafael Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), endorsed Kazakhstan’s plans to construct a nuclear power plant and pledged the agency’s support in implementing the project, according to Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Energy.

Grossi expressed optimism that Kazakhstanis will vote in favor of nuclear energy in the upcoming Oct. 6 referendum. He highlighted Kazakhstan’s crucial role in the global transition to clean energy, citing the abundance of rare earth element reserves in the country, the IAEA’s low-enriched uranium bank located in Kazakhstan and Kazatomprom’s uranium mining operations.

«The IAEA stands ready to support Kazakhstan at this important time, ensuring safety, security and international confidence,» Grossi said. He added that the agency would assist in the process, working closely with the government of Kazakhstan to facilitate this globally significant project.

Grossi noted that the IAEA is ready to further cooperate with Kazakhstan to help the country achieve its carbon neutrality goals.

Earlier this week, Kanat Sharlapayev, Kazakhstan’s minister of industry, stated that building a nuclear power plant would strengthen the country’s economy and positively impact people’s lives. He highlighted nuclear power as a globally recognized clean energy source that significantly reduces electricity costs.

In a recent announcement, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev set Oct. 6, 2024, as the date for a referendum on the issue of constructing a nuclear power plant. The proposed plant will be built in the village of Ulken, in the Almaty region, near Lake Balkhash. Four companies are being considered as project contractors: EDF (France), CNNC (China), Rosatom (Russia) and KHNP (South Korea).