Kazakhstan's Tokayev calls for faster construction of nuclear power plants

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev called for a long-term national uranium reserve and faster progress on building two nuclear power plants (NPPs) in his annual state-of-the-nation address on Wednesday. “I believe it is possible, and perhaps even necessary, to begin construction of the Balkhash NPP as early as next year, and to sign a comprehensive cooperation agreement with the goal of launching construction of the Moyynkum NPP as soon as possible,” he said. Tokayev highlighted that nuclear energy is one way to achieve an electricity surplus, which he described as essential for digitalising the economy and integrating artificial intelligence into all areas of public life.