Toqayev Discusses Nuclear Energy Prospects at National Science and Technology Council

On September 26, President Qasym-Jomart Toqayev addressed a meeting of the National Council on Science and Technology, focusing heavily on Kazakhstan’s nuclear and atomic potential, Orda.kz reports.

The president suggested that a second nuclear power plant could be built in the Abay region:

Given the prospects for building a nuclear power plant in the Abay region, it is necessary to prepare a detailed plan for a science city in Kurchatov,Toqayev said.

At the same time, he cautioned against wasteful spending: the state should not “scatter billions on unprofitable projects,” though he did not specify which initiatives he had in mind.

Toqayev stressed that nuclear development must be guided by Kazakhstan’s national interests:

We cannot allow ill-considered, inefficient use of our natural wealth, particularly uranium. Of course, we will not stop at just one power station. Kazakhstan has sufficient reserves of rare metals needed for this industry. Our country is among the world’s leaders in uranium mining. Building a nuclear power plant will radically change the role of uranium in the economy.

The president also addressed the global climate agenda, backing Donald Trump’s remarks at the recent UN General Assembly:

Donald Trump said in his speech that climate change is the greatest fraud ever committed in the world. Having attended global climate summits in Dubai and Baku, I have come to the same conclusion.

Toqayev argued that Kazakhstan should prioritize coal over renewables, adding that wind power is simply too expensive.

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