28 August 2024
Source: What advantages will the construction of a nuclear power plant give to Kazakhstan? (24.kz) (In Russian and Kazakh languages)
The development of nuclear energy in Kazakhstan would send a powerful signal to the world about the country’s advanced, high-tech economy, reports 24KZ. A nuclear power plant (NPP) has the potential to ensure a stable energy supply for decades to come—a factor that will play a key role in the country’s industrial growth, according to European energy experts. Despite the availability of various energy sources—from oil, gas, and coal to renewable and hydropower—Kazakhstan requires a guaranteed stable base load energy source. A nuclear power plant could fulfil that role, believes Marat Terterov, chief expert at the Brussels Energy Club, supporting Kazakhstan’s plans to construct an NPP.
Marat Terterov, Chief Expert, Brussels Energy Club:
"Coal and oil were the driving forces of the global economy, particularly during the Soviet era and in the post-Soviet period. However, today, the importance and urgency of addressing climate change are widely recognized. Concepts like sustainable development and caring for future generations and the environment are more relevant than ever. Kazakhstan is on the path of energy reform, both internationally and domestically. The country is moving in the right direction, and here in Brussels, in the EU, we fully support Kazakhstan in this effort."
Nuclear power is also crucial for reducing energy dependence. An NPP could solve the country’s current electricity shortage, making Kazakhstan more energy-independent and even allowing it to sell surplus energy to neighbouring countries that once supplied it. Currently, Kazakhstan is forced to purchase up to 20% of its electricity from Russia, especially during winter. Neighbouring countries like Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan also rely on outdated thermal and hydroelectric power plants, which are costly to modernize. In these circumstances, Terterov argues that Central Asian countries should build their own nuclear power plants.
Marat Terterov, Chief Expert, Brussels Energy Club:
"The economies of the five Central Asian nations are growing rapidly, and they need more energy. At the same time, they must reduce their reliance on hydrocarbons. Central Asia has the potential to become a regional economic powerhouse, and energy trade within the region could develop in the near future, similar to what is already happening in the Caucasus or Turkey, where there is strong demand for additional electricity. Kazakhstan and Central Asia could follow this path."
Kazakhstan is rich in natural resources, and Europe recognizes the country’s potential not only in hydrocarbons but also in uranium reserves and extraction.
Marat Terterov, Chief Expert, Brussels Energy Club:
"However, having resources is not enough to turn them into energy and support the economy. Kazakhstan needs its own production facilities, power plants, and industrial projects powered by electricity, along with investments. The country is economically developed enough to handle this, but it requires international partners with the latest know-how, technologies, and management skills. These are necessary to successfully launch complex, energy-intensive nuclear projects."
Terterov also notes that the EU is pursuing its own "green" transformation and positioning itself as a leader in reducing climate change impacts. In France, for instance, nuclear power has long been a pillar of energy security and stable pricing. Many Central and Eastern European countries, such as Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia, have also developed nuclear energy and use it successfully. According to Terterov, Europe’s experience is balanced and well-established.
Marat Terterov, Chief Expert, Brussels Energy Club:
"Nuclear energy has many advantages, but it is also relatively expensive. The initial investment required is significantly higher than for renewable energy. However, once an NPP begins generating electricity, it becomes an efficient and, as international experience shows, a highly reliable energy source."
Terterov notes that, within the European Union, only Germany has opted to phase out nuclear projects, a decision driven more by politics than practicality. However, he stresses that nuclear energy, when used for peaceful purposes, is entirely safe. Incidents are extremely rare due to strict safety regulations enforced by the IAEA and other international organizations.
Authors: Zhanat Ernst, Zhomart Akhmetov
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