BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 28. Kazakhstan could
begin construction of the Balkhash nuclear power plant as early as
2027, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said in his Address to the
People of Kazakhstan, according to the presidential press
service.


"Developing nuclear power generation is of fundamental
importance. Following the nationwide referendum, the decision to
build nuclear power plants, several of them at once, was the right
one," Tokayev said.


He said Kazakhstan should already consider how to ensure uranium
supplies for its nuclear power plants over the next 50 years and
beyond.


Tokayev also said the proposal to establish a state strategic
uranium reserve deserved serious consideration, as it could cover
the needs of Kazakhstan's nuclear power plants for the next
century.


He emphasized the importance of involving foreign partners
engaged in nuclear power plant construction in establishing
high-tech production facilities in Kazakhstan, transferring nuclear
energy expertise and training domestic nuclear specialists.
According to Tokayev, proposals to this effect have been received
from Russian and Chinese companies.







"I believe it is possible and perhaps necessary to begin
construction of the Balkhash nuclear power plant as early as next
year and sign a comprehensive cooperation agreement to accelerate
the start of construction of the Moiynkum nuclear power plant," he
said.


Tokayev added that all negotiating positions must be carefully
worked out and agreed upon to ensure that Kazakhstan's national
interests are taken into account.


A national referendum on the construction of a nuclear
power plant in Kazakhstan was held on October 6, 2024. According to
the results, 71.12% of citizens who took part in the vote supported
the construction.


By Government Resolution No. 1137 dated December 30,
2024, “On the Construction Area of the Nuclear Installation
‘Nuclear Power Plant’,” the Zhambyl district of the Almaty region
was designated as the site for Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power
plant, Balkhash. The plant will be built by Russia’s Rosatom. The
second nuclear power plant, Moiynkum, is also planned to be located
near Lake Balkhash.