Astana (TDI): Kazakhstan conducted a referendum on Sunday, to decide the fate of its first nuclear power plant, with a voter turnout of nearly 64%.
The initiative, promoted by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s administration, aims to shift the Central Asian nation from its reliance on polluting coal-fired power generation towards cleaner energy sources.
As polling stations closed at 8 p.m. local time (1500 GMT), approximately 7.8 million of the 12.24 million eligible voters had cast their ballots.
The Kyzylorda region recorded the highest turnout at 82.48%, while Almaty registered the lowest at 25.39%.
The Central Election Commission plans to announce preliminary results on Monday.
An exit poll conducted by SOCIS-A, covering about 284,000 voters, indicated that approximately 69.8% supported the nuclear initiative shortly after voting concluded.
Despite a population of about 20 million, Kazakhstan relies heavily on coal for its electricity needs, supplemented by hydroelectric power and an expanding renewable energy sector.
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The nation, which also imports electricity—primarily from Russia—faces challenges due to outdated infrastructure that struggles to meet rising domestic demand.
The government contends that nuclear energy is crucial for ensuring a reliable power supply while complementing renewable sources such as solar and wind.
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President Tokayev emphasized the necessity of adopting modern energy solutions to keep pace with global advancements, stating, “In order not to remain on the sidelines of global progress, we must use our competitive advantages.”
Although Kazakhstan is one of the world’s leading uranium producers, it currently does not engage in uranium enrichment for fuel.
Estimated Cost of Nuclear Power Plant
The estimated cost of the proposed nuclear power plant is between $10 billion and $12 billion, with the government relying on contractors to secure necessary financing.
In 2023, the Ministry of Energy identified four potential contractors for the project: China’s CNNC, South Korea’s KHNP, France’s EDF, and Russia’s Rosatom.
The project will also be overseen by international bodies, including the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
