Kazakhstan to Accelerate Nuclear Power Plant Construction Due to Electricity Shortage

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has instructed the government to speed up the construction of the country’s first nuclear power plant in response to the growing electricity shortage.

Chairing the government’s annual assessment meeting, Tokayev also assigned new tasks to the cabinet led by Oljas Bektenov.

Despite the difficult global situation last year, Tokayev highlighted that the country's economy continued to grow but acknowledged that there were still pressing issues to address.

Tokayev emphasized the urgent need for economic diversification, attracting foreign investment, and advancing sectors such as tourism, transit, transportation, logistics, e-commerce, and artificial intelligence. He also noted that the climate agenda is undergoing significant changes, necessitating a reassessment of approaches to green energy development.

Need for Nuclear Energy

Tokayev pointed to the increasing electricity shortage and gave instructions to accelerate the construction of the first nuclear power plant and initiate the establishment of a nuclear cluster in the country.

He also emphasized plans to build two additional nuclear plants in the future. "The second nuclear plant's construction proposal is awaited from Parliament and the government. Let me reiterate that our country needs nuclear energy. Without it, Kazakhstan's future development is not possible," he stated.

Kazakhstan as an "Intermediate Power"

Tokayev described Kazakhstan as a "reliable" and "intermediate power" on the global stage. He stressed that this high status should be supported by tangible successes not only in politics but also in the economy, investment, science, and technology.

In the current geopolitical context, Tokayev emphasized the importance of taking cooperation with Kazakhstan’s closest neighbors to a new level. He also highlighted the need for large investment projects with countries such as China, Russia, the U.S., the European Union, the Middle East, and other Asian nations.

Fighting Disinformation

Tokayev also drew attention to the need for legal reforms to combat disinformation and prevent the spread of harmful content on online platforms. "We are increasingly encountering disinformation and media manipulation aimed at manipulating public opinion, discrediting authorities, and inciting hatred. This poses serious risks to public safety and stability in the country," he remarked.

Prime Minister Bektenov added that agreements related to the construction of the first nuclear power plant in the Almaty region would soon be signed, and regional analysis for determining locations for the second and third nuclear plants is nearing completion.