The Minister of Energy of Kazakhstan Almasadam Satkaliev said that there is no alternative to the construction of nuclear power plants in the republic in the context of a predicted severe shortage of electricity.
"The construction of a nuclear power plant seems to be the only correct solution to replace obsolete capacities and ensure energy independence of Kazakhstan. At the current stage, nuclear power plants have no alternative," the minister stressed. By 2035, Kazakhstan's electricity consumption is projected to be 152.4 billion kW·h, its production will decrease and reach less than 135 billion kW·h.
In this regard, by 2035, the republic must ensure the commissioning of new production facilities with a total capacity of 26.5 GW, Satkaliev continued. According to his estimates, about 8 GW are now needed to implement new projects in sectors such as industry, metallurgy, transport, IT, medicine, pharmaceuticals and agro-processing.
According to the head of Kegoc Nabi Aitzhanov, the deficit of electricity in the autumn-winter period will amount to 1,025 GW and can be covered by imports from Russia or limiting consumers in Kazakhstan.
President Kasim-Jomart Tokaev proposed that on September 1, 2023, the issue of the construction of a nuclear power plant in the republic be submitted to a national referendum. According to studies, the most preferred area for the construction of a station worth 10-12 billion USD is the territory of the village of Ulken, Zhambil district, Alma-Ata region. Kazakh authorities are considering several potential suppliers of nuclear technology - CNNC, KHNP, Rosatom and EDF. In June 2024, the president announced that the referendum would be held in the fall of 2024.