Who will be constructing the nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan, was the question posed to Tokayev.

A journalist asked the president which companies would be prioritized for the construction of the nuclear power plant.

"This issue was discussed with Vladimir Putin during his visit to Astana. It was agreed that the Kazakh side would act as the general operator in the consortium, serving as the project customer. There was talk about the possible involvement of the company 'Rosatom', which has high competencies and extensive experience in building nuclear power plants abroad.

Negotiations are also underway with a Chinese company, considering China's significant successes in constructing nuclear facilities for civilian purposes. There is interest from other foreign corporations, including Western ones," shared Tokayev.

He reminded that this year competitive procedures will be conducted, after which the government will make a final decision.

"I am convinced that Kazakhstan needs a large-capacity nuclear power plant. Moreover, I do not rule out that in the near future we may begin constructing a second, and possibly a third, nuclear power plant. The nuclear industry will give a powerful boost to the development of our economy, which is already experiencing an energy deficit. I believe that Kazakhstan should become a country with a developed nuclear energy sector. It has a bright future," concluded the president.

You can read the extensive interview with the head of state, which he called a special address to the people of Kazakhstan, here.

Construction of a Nuclear Power Plant in Kazakhstan

In 2019, it became known that there are plans to build a Kazakh nuclear power plant in the Almaty region. The more precise location mentioned was the village of Ulken. At the end of 2021, the Minister of Energy Almasadam Satkaliyev confirmed that the nuclear power plant could indeed be located in this village.

In June 2022, the Ministry of Energy announced that a shortlist of four suppliers had been compiled for the first nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan after reviewing their technologies. At the same time, Satkaliyev stated that the plant would not be built if the Kazakh people did not support the idea.

In November 2023, the Minister of Energy explained when the company that would build the nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan would be selected. And in December, the approximate amount planned for the construction of the country's first nuclear power plant became known.

In June of this year, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced that a referendum would be held in Kazakhstan to decide whether to build a nuclear power plant in the country.

The voting took place on October 6 of this year. Kazakhs were asked to respond to one question: "Do you agree with the construction of a nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan?" To express their position on this issue, citizens needed to put a checkmark or cross next to one of two response options - "yes" or "no."

According to the Central Election Commission, the turnout was 63.87%, meaning more than 7.8 million Kazakhs participated in the voting. The number of votes in favor of the positive decision was 71.12%, or 5,561,937. The number of citizens who voted against was 2,045,271.