NUCLEAR POLICY | KAZAKHSTAN nuclear Kazakhstan The case for a
As the world shifts towards clean and sustainable energy, Kazakhstan stands on the cusp of a significant move into nuclear energy. President Tokayev has suggested a national referendum to gauge the country’s position on building a nuclear power plant (NPP), setting the stage for an in-depth discussion about our energy trajectory
Erlan Batyrbekov, General Director of the National Nuclear Center of Kazakhstan
KAZAKHSTAN FACES A GROWING ELECTRICAL power deficit, largely due to aging thermal power facilities from the Soviet era that desperately require replacement. At the same time, the country has set an ambitious target of achieving carbon neutrality by 2060 and is committed to transitioning towards sustainable energy solutions. President Kassym- Jomart Tokayev’s endorsement of the Strategy for Achieving Carbon Neutrality underscores Kazakhstan’s dedication to this initiative. Given the diminishing feasibility of constructing new thermal power plants (TPP), there’s an imperative to investigate efficient, green alternatives, such as nuclear energy. Indeed, President Tokayev has already suggested holding a national referendum to gauge the country’s position on building a nuclear power plant (NPP), setting the stage for an in-depth discussion about our energy trajectory. Significantly, Kazakhstan’s abundant natural uranium reserves position it as a dominant global player in the production of raw materials for nuclear fuel.
The low-carbon energy The integration of renewable energy sources (RES) is a cornerstone of Kazakhstan’s overarching energy strategy, which seeks to realise sustainable development and
counteract the impacts of climate change. RES are instrumental in reducing reliance on aging thermal power facilities, propelling the nation towards a greener and more sustainable energy horizon. However, while renewable energy holds immense
potential, it is characterised by intermittent generation. These intrinsic limitations of RES suggest that relying solely on them might not suffice to cater to the nation’s escalating power needs. In this context, nuclear energy stands out as an ideal
counterpart to RES, promising consistent, dependable, and continuous power. Nuclear power plants (NPPs) boast the capability to function efficiently at high capacities, an indispensable feature for the large manufacturing enterprises that make up the bulk of Kazakhstan’s energy demand.
The imperative to incorporate nuclear energy is further
emphasised by its negligible carbon emissions, offering an eco-friendly solution in sync with the country’s carbon neutrality pledge. Additionally, given Kazakhstan’s vast deposits of natural uranium, leveraging nuclear energy emerges as a strategic move. This not only capitalises on native resources but also fortifies energy resilience.
Right: Kazakhstan stands on the cusp of a significant move into nuclear energy
44 | December 2023 |
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