Representatives of Energo University Participated in Public Hearings on the Construction of a Nuclear Power Plant

Public discussions involving experts and members of the public on the planned construction of Kazakhstan's first nuclear power plant were held in Almaty. Representatives from Energo University (Almaty University of Power Engineering and Telecommunications named after Gumarbek Daukeev) also participated in the event, including Aynur Begimbetova, Director of the Institute of Energy and Green Technologies, and Zhubanysh Abdimuratov, Director of the Industry Center for Technological Competencies in the Field of Electric Power.

Those present at the hearings emphasized the high necessity of a nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan from both economic and environmental perspectives.

Aynur Begimbetova:

"According to numerous studies and data from the International Climate Change Agency, it has been proven that a nuclear power plant emits only 11 tons of carbon dioxide over its entire lifecycle. By comparison, a coal-fired power plant emits nearly 820 tons of CO₂ over the same cycle,".

Zhubanysh Abdimuratov:

"The construction of a nuclear power plant in our country is undoubtedly the right decision. First, it is environmentally friendly. Similar stations have been built in 33 countries around the world, and construction is planned in 59 more countries. Second, it is economically advantageous. If a nuclear power plant is operational in our country, it could lead to lower prices in certain sectors."

Almaty became the 19th location where public hearings on the construction of Kazakhstan's first nuclear power plant were held. The final public discussions on the possible construction of the nuclear power plant are scheduled to take place in Astana on August 20.

 

Reference:

The climate situation in Kazakhstan is changing before our eyes, within the lifespan of a single generation, which is abnormal.

In 2015, the United Nations adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for the entire world. Summarized, they can be formulated as follows: eradicate poverty, ensure access to clean water, clean energy, combat climate change, and promote sustainable development.

 

Energy consumption worldwide is projected to grow by about 30 percent by 2040 compared to 2016. On one hand, energy consumption growth is an indicator of economic development, but on the other hand, it is a factor in increasing environmental pressure and the risk of energy resource shortages.

The development of nuclear energy takes on special significance in the context of implementing the Paris Agreement, which aims to reduce emissions into the atmosphere.

According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, greenhouse gas emissions from nuclear energy throughout its lifecycle amount to 12 tons of CO2.

For comparison: wind power plants – 11 tons of CO2, solar installations – 48 tons of CO2, coal – 820 tons of CO2.

The position that nuclear energy makes a significant contribution to combating climate change is shared by reputable international organizations. According to the International Energy Agency, a hypothetical abandonment of nuclear energy could lead to additional carbon dioxide emissions of 4 billion tons by 2040.

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