ASTANA, Kazakhstan, September 14. The Kazakh Parliament is set to introduce a separate law on nuclear safety, as announced during a visit by members of the People's Committee for Nuclear Power Plant Construction to the Zhambyl region, Trend reports.
The committee members called on educators to support the nuclear power plant initiative, emphasizing that their opinions hold significant weight in society. Residents were informed about the latest advancements in nuclear technology and the need to address energy issues for further economic development.
The importance of the nuclear power plant was highlighted, particularly for enhancing the electrification of the railway network, which is expected to improve capacity and accelerate passenger and freight transportation.
On September 1, 2023, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced that a national referendum will be held regarding the construction of a nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan.
Following this, Kazakhstan released a list of companies vying to provide technology for the country's first nuclear power plant. The contenders include China's CNNC with the HPR-1000 reactor, South Korea's KHNP with the APR-1400 reactor, France's EDF with the EPR-1200 reactor, and Russia's Rosatom with the VVER-1200 and VVER-1000 reactors.
On September 2, 2024, Tokayev announced during a joint parliamentary session and his annual address to the nation that the nationwide referendum on the nuclear power plant will be held on October 6 of this year.