More than 70% of Kazakh citizens who took part in the referendum on the nuclear power plant spoke in favor of the construction of the nuclear power plant. Preliminary results of the popular vote were announced by the CEC of the neighboring state. Thus, the will of citizens was democratically revealed, which puts an end to the long and unproductive debate about whether or not to build a nuclear power plant.
The development of nuclear technologies in Kazakhstan was sharply opposed by activists from Kazakhstani NGOs. Fake stories about the radiation threat were thrown on the Internet, and attempts were made to sway and divide society. In general, therefore, from the point of view of the principles of respect for people's power, Astana decided to hold a referendum, the results of which will become the legal basis for the realization of the first nuclear project.
According to preliminary data from the Central Election Commission of Kazakhstan, the turnout of citizens at the polling stations exceeded 63%, with 72.12% supporting the construction of the nuclear power plant.
Kazakhstan, like Kyrgyzstan, is experiencing a noticeable economic recovery, and in order to launch enterprises there too, electricity generation needs to be significantly increased, and it is problematic to rely on wind and solar power plants alone, as they depend on weather conditions. The development of industry requires sustainable and powerful sources that do not depend on the vagaries of nature. Only nuclear power plants can provide such energy, and the authorities of the neighboring republic managed to bring this idea to the majority of its citizens.
Before the referendum, Kazakh President Kasym-Jomart Tokayev said: “The decision taken by the people will be decisive for the country. The construction of a nuclear power plant is a long-term project, but it will ensure sustainable progress of the country for decades to come, strengthen energy sovereignty, give a powerful impetus to the development of various spheres of the economy, science and education, will contribute to the formation of a wide class of engineers and specialists of various profiles”.
Uzbekistan is already implementing its own nuclear project. Six low-power reactors of 55 MW each will be commissioned in Jizzak Province by 2029 under the Rosatom project. Tashkent also realizes that in conditions of changing climate, when according to all forecasts periods of droughts will become more frequent and water in the region will be less and less, in order to save hydro resources with the growing needs of the economy, there is need to build not only HPPs, solar and wind power plants, but to have sustainable and permanent sources of energy.
The agreement on the construction of a 330 MW nuclear power plant was signed by Uzbek and Russian leaders in May this year. Shavkat Mirziyoyev said at the time: “Almost all leading nations of the world ensure their energy security and sustainable development through nuclear energy. Having large uranium reserves and exporting them to third countries, this project is vital for us if we think about the prospects of entering a new stage of Uzbekistan's development”.
Kyrgyzstan also has its own nuclear project. So far, it is at the level of a memorandum of cooperation signed by the country's Ministry of Energy and Rosatom State Corporation. So far, the government is cautiously looking at nuclear technologies and studying their potential.
Only preliminary parameters of the plant are known: it could be up to six low-power reactors, approximately the same as the NPP being built in Uzbekistan. The other day, deputies asked Kyrgyz Energy Minister Talaibek Ibraev how the nuclear power plant project was progressing. “We drew up a memorandum with Rosatom last year. If they want to build a nuclear power plant here, we need to prepare the public. Explanatory work is being carried out. A tour with journalists to Turkey will be organized in November. They want to show the Akkuyu nuclear power plant. In addition, we are choosing a land plot now. We need a place with water for cooling the units,” Ibraev explained.
In one of the interviews with Kabar News Agency, head of Rosatom Kyrgyzstan Dmitry Konstantinov said that now nuclear power is absolutely safe, and its compliance with the “green agenda” is recognized worldwide.
“Modern technologies make it possible to ensure the safety of nuclear power for the environment and people living in the immediate vicinity of the nuclear plant. The nuclear power plant will not threaten the safety of agricultural crops and the aquatic environment. During normal operation, emissions do not exceed the natural background and do not affect the environment near the plant. In addition, the environmental situation around the nuclear plant is much better than in other regions, as it is constantly monitored by specialists from various organizations.
As I said, small reactors have a lifetime of 60 years, with fuel reloading required on average once every six years. And this process is just as well-tested, absolutely safe and does not cause any harm to the environment. Our approach is based on the principles of a balanced nuclear fuel cycle, which involves reprocessing spent fuel. Thus, there is no need to build a deep burial site for radioactive waste. To date, this is a unique proposal”, Konstantinov emphasized.
In fact, not only Kazakhstan, but all Central Asian republics are on the threshold of making important decisions for themselves. Further development, industrial growth, implementation of large infrastructure projects and even meeting the needs of the population requires large amounts of energy, and this need will only grow every year.
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