BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 31. Construction of a nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan can solve the problem of fresh water reserves in the region, William Alberque, Director of Strategy, Technology and Arms Control of the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) told Trend.
According to him, it makes sense for Kazakhstan to have its own nuclear reactor.
"It had one from 1972-1999, and if Kazakhstan can replace carbon-based energy sources, it would be a very good thing indeed. A reactor can supply the massive amounts of energy needed in desalinization and industry, and therefore could benefit the Kazakh population and the region very much. Fresh water supplies are a concern for the region, so nuclear power can be one contributor to the solution," he said.
Alberque added that as long as Kazakhstan ensures that every part of its nuclear industry is subject to IAEA safeguards, it can continue to be an example to the world.
"Kazakhstan is a key uranium ore producing state. In fact, it’s been the global leader since 2009. It is seen as a reliable source and relatively free from instability or disruption in production in the decades since the end of the Cold War. This has been accomplished in concert with their desire to be seen as an advocate for nuclear disarmament as well," he said.
As Alberque noted, Kazakhstan is obviously providing a massive percentage of the global demand for uranium ore. It is irreplaceable in the global uranium market.
"I think Kazakhstan supplying more of the world’s uranium is a good thing. It has proven itself as a reliable and stable partner, and the demand for uranium to fuel nuclear power appears to be increasing radically with the need for non-carbon-based energy in light of climate change," he said.
On September 29, 2023, Kazakhstan's Kazatomprom has presented its strategy for uranium production for 2025. The Board of Directors of Kazatomprom approved the company’s strategy to increase uranium production volumes in 2025 to 100 percent of the level planned under subsoil use contracts.
Kazakhstan ranks second in the world in terms of proven reserves of natural uranium. About 14 percent of all proven world reserves are concentrated in the depths of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The country's total proven reserves are estimated at more than 700,000 tons of uranium.
In 2009, Kazakhstan took first place in uranium production in the world and continues to maintain a leading position in the world market. Kazakhstan produces about 40 percent of the world's uranium production. In 2021, the volume of uranium production amounted to 21,800 tons, according to the results of 2022 - 21,300 tons.
