Representatives of Kyrgyzstan and Russia signed terms of reference for a preliminary study of the project for the construction of a low-capacity nuclear power plant in Kyrgyzstan. Kyrgyzstan participated in the Atomexpo Forum in Sochi, 24.kg reports.
In January 2022, information was disseminated that Rosatom and Kyrgyzstan had agreed to cooperate in the construction of a low-capacity nuclear power plant. This was then reported by the communications department of the Russian state corporation Rosatom.
The parties expressed interest in developing a partnership for the construction of a low-power nuclear power plant based on the RITM-200N reactor plant on the territory of the Kyrgyz Republic. The document also provides for assistance in the development of the nuclear infrastructure of Kyrgyzstan and joint work to improve the skills of scientific and technical personnel in various areas of the peaceful use of atomic energy.
Then Deputy Minister of Energy Tilek Aytaliyev noted that decarbonization and the development of environmentally friendly energy sources are an actual global trend, from which Kyrgyzstan does not want to stand aside.
At the same time, the signing of the terms of reference on the preparation of a feasibility study for the construction of a small-capacity nuclear power plant in Kyrgyzstan implies that Kyrgyzstan intends to cooperate with Rosatom, Kyrgyz Minister of Energy Taalaibek Ibraev said during the international forum ATOPEXPO-2022.
He explained that the signing of the document is only an intention, and not the beginning of the construction of the station. “We must look to the future 10 years ahead, we must not rely only on hydroelectric power plants. You can see for yourself that the environment and weather conditions are changing. Today we work with both solar stations and wind stations. We must look for an alternative power supply for our republic,” the minister added.
When asked how much the development of a feasibility study costs, he replied that it is too early to talk about it, no one can name the price. Development may take 1-1.5 years.
In February, representatives of the Green Alliance of Kyrgyzstan began collecting signatures against the initiative to build a nuclear power plant in the republic.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
Nov. 22, 2022