Minister of Energy of Kazakhstan Almasadam Satkaliev, in the corridors of the government, commented on the question of holding a republican referendum on the construction of a nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan.
According to the minister, there is periodically incorrect information in the media, alleging that Satkaliev said there was no need for a referendum, as reported by Ritmeurasia.
"This is incorrect information. I believe that this publication should issue official apologies. Because I expressed myself as follows: 'According to the legislation, there is no necessity.' But based on the expression of the people's will, with a direct directive from the head of state, a decision was made, and we will proceed with conducting the referendum.
These constant references require an appropriate response from the editorial board of the magazine and the owners of the magazine. I believe they should apologize to me and issue corrective information," said Almasadam Satkaliev.
The specific media outlet that spread the incorrect information was not specified by the minister.
Shouldn't the head of the Ministry of Energy apologize to the people of Kazakhstan, as neither he nor the department provides specific information about the construction of the station, journalists asked Satkaliev.
"There are procedures. There is direct communication with the public. We travel to the regions, conduct a large-scale explanatory campaign in almost all regions, and answer all current questions. There has been no request to expedite the referendum to the ministry from either a public association or public figures. Therefore, we are working in accordance with the legislation and existing procedures," he explained.
Ministry staff have visited only four regions, but explanatory work needs to be carried out in all regions, he concluded.
Nuclear Power Plant in Kazakhstan: Questions and Perspectives
If the decision is made to build a nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan as a result of the referendum, its capacity could be 2.4 gigawatts, as previously reported by the Ministry of Energy of Kazakhstan.
According to the general director of "Kazakhstan Atomic Power Plants" LLP, Timur Zhantikin, the construction of a nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan will partially solve the problem of the country's growing electricity deficit.
Currently, the country operates 220 power stations, including 144 renewable energy facilities with a total capacity of 2.8 gigawatts.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
May 11, 2024