Kazakhstan needs nuclear power plant of its own

Kazakhstan needs a nuclear power plant of its own, Almassadam Satkaliev, Chairman of KEGOC National Power Grid Operator, said in an interview for Business Resource media holding . “I believe Kazakhstan should develop its nuclear industry, construct a nuclear power plant of its own. But it should be a state-of-the-art, safe plant. A new generation reactor is a must…”, he said. According to Mr. Satkaliev, “a number of requirements should be met: the power plant must be located in a seismically safe zone. A water reservoir is needed in case of cooling systems fail. And the place should be remote from population clusters. With these conditions in place, developing the nuclear industry is a must”. Industry experts are divided on the issue. Some believe that Kazakhstan had better rely on its coal resources that can last 700 years and hydrocarbons, while employing water power more widely. They believe there is no immediate need to construct a nuclear power plant. Others speak up for development of nuclear industry and adjacent industries – high-precision machinery building and nonferrous-metals industry. This will entail emergence of vertically-integrated companies that are likely to use domestic commodities, spurring economy growth.