2024 Kazakh nuclear power referendum

A referendum on the construction of the first nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan took place on 6 October 2024. The initiative was aimed at reducing fossil fuel reliance, curbing greenhouse gas emissions and bolstering national electricity generation in light of frequent power outages in recent years. At the time of the referendum, Kazakhstan has not had any nuclear power generation capacity since 1999. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev first proposed the idea of holding a referendum in 2019, and in September 2023, he officially announced that the referendum would take place to address the nation's need to develop nuclear power, leveraging Kazakhstan's status as the world's largest uranium producer. In June 2024, President Tokayev announced that the referendum would be held in autumn, with the specific date determined by the Government.

As the majority of voters supported the initiative, a nuclear power plant will be built in the village of Ülken, near Lake Balkhash. President Tokayev has described this initiative as essential for establishing a stable electricity source in the country. However, local ecologists and residents view the proposal as potentially dangerous, citing concerns over the already unstable water levels in Lake Balkhash. Additionally, political activists criticize the possibility of Russia being selected as the builder of the plant, adding to local apprehensions.