Hi all,
Kazakhstan has finally announced which company will be responsible for building its new nuclear plant near the village of Ulken on the shores of Lake Balkhash. Unsurprisingly, the Kazakh authorities selected Rosatom, Russia’s state atomic energy corporation. It was also revealed that another contender, China’s CNNC, will build an additional nuclear reactor—essentially a consolation prize for a strategic ally.
Offers from South Korea and France, who also participated in the tender, were not accepted. However, according to the Kazakh Atomic Energy Agency, all the above companies will still be involved in some capacity in the plant’s construction.
The decision to build the plant followed a national referendum held in October 2024, in which 71.12% of voters supported the project, with a turnout of 63.66%. The referendum took place amid a heavily pro-nuclear state campaign and the suppression of protests by organizations opposing nuclear power.
Opponents argued that nuclear power is not clean, that there is still no clear solution for dealing with nuclear waste, and that choosing the Russian bid would increase Kazakhstan's political, economic, and energy dependence on Moscow. Additionally, given the level of corruption in Kazakhstan, critics voiced concern over whether the plant could be operated to international safety standards.
It is worth mentioning that Kazakhstan has a tragic nuclear legacy. It was a key site of the Soviet Union’s nuclear program, which left long-lasting consequences on both public health and the environment. If you're interested in learning more about the survivors of the Soviet atomic program, I encourage you to read or listen to my story published a few months ago on Turan Tales, titled Atomic Kazakhstan: The Invisible Curse.
It’s clear that Central Asia is facing a serious energy crisis, and new investments in this sector are both desperately needed and long overdue. Different countries are experimenting with various types of renewable energy: Tajikistan with hydropower, Uzbekistan with wind farms, and others with solar panels.
This week, we’re exploring the issue of energy deficiency in the region and how best to address it. Joining us is Anatole Boute, Professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. I asked him whether nuclear power is the right path for Central Asia, what needs to be done to improve access to cheap and clean energy, and whether Central Asian states are ready to cooperate in this vital sector.
Hope you’ll enjoy this one.
Have a great end of the week!
— Agnieszka
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