Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced Kazakhstan will hold a national referendum on October 6 to decide on the construction of a nuclear power plant.
The decision reflects the government’s push to address the country’s growing energy needs amid the global energy deficit.
“I support the government’s proposal. The national referendum on the construction of a nuclear power plant will be held on October 6 this year, and today I will sign a related decision,” Tokayev said in a speech quoted by ANTARA, Monday, August 2.
Tokayev underlined the importance of nuclear energy as a solution to meet Kazakhstan’s increasing energy demand.
He emphasized that every decision on this important national issue must be made with the support of the people.
“Every important step for the life of the country must be taken with the support of the people. Likewise with the PLTN referendum,” he added.
Tokayev’s proposal for a referendum was first made in September last year.
He described the decision to build or not to build PLTN as an important issue for Kazakhstan’s future, while noting that the country’s opinion is divided, with safety concerns being an important factor.
The concern stems from the tragic legacy of the Semiplatinsk nuclear test site, located in northeastern Kazakhstan, where more than 450 nuclear tests were carried out during the Soviet era.
The site closed in 1991, but memories of its impact are still strong among residents.
As Kazakhstan considers their energy future, the upcoming referendum will be an important moment in determining whether the country will continue to advance with nuclear power.
Source: VOI