Energy Minister Comments on Second NPP Construction

Minister of Energy Almassadam Satkaliyev discussed plans to construct a second nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan, reports Orda.kz.

Kazakhstan needs nuclear power plants to create a nuclear cluster, which involves using all opportunities to develop the nuclear industry, including uranium production, assembly manufacturing, and application of scientific potential.

To fully realize the potential, we need to build several nuclear power plants. Today we have been instructed to select a site for the second station. When choosing, we will consider the forecasted energy balance, proximity to load centers, and the development level of the national electrical grid. We will keep you informed, the Minister said at a government briefing.

The village of Kurchatov in the Abay region is being considered as a site. 

Kurchatov is being considered as a promising site. The commission will make the appropriate decision. We will conduct an analysis, added Satkaliyev.

When asked about a potential referendum, the Minister responded that this is unnecessary, as the government makes decisions per legislation.

Original Author: Zhadra Zhulmukhametova