2024 Presentations (Communicative Events)

Kazakhstan's New Nuclear Power Plant

Pittman, Aidan; Patsalis, Nestoras; Tang, Cassie; Aidabulov, Madiyar

Kazakhstan recently passed a referendum with 73% support that plans to construct their first nuclear reactor since their independence from the Soviet Union. Nuclear is incredibly energy-dense, producing massive amounts of energy while consuming very little space. Kazakhstan has a history of nuclear energy, beginning with the BN-350 fast-neutron reactor in Aktau, operating from 1973 until 1999 when it was finally shut down. This new plant marks the beginning of a new era of nuclear power in Kazakhstan. Currently, Kazakhstan is the world’s largest producer of Uranium but exports 100% of it. Meanwhile, they are experiencing an ongoing energy crisis that began in 2021, leading to power outages throughout the country. Kazakhstan is also currently the largest CO2 emitter in Central Asia and the 14th largest in the world. Nuclear reactors do not emit greenhouse gasses, and by beginning to utilize them Kazakhstan could phase out these legacy Soviet methods such as coal-fired electricity generation that have been the leading causes of these emissions. Transitioning to a low-carbon economy is a focus for Kazakhstan as they try to position themself as a highly developed nation and reach their goal of being carbon neutral by 2060. This leap into nuclear energy serves as a first and necessary step, and our plan covers how they can accomplish this sustainably.