The issue of nuclear power plant construction in the Republic of Kazakhstan

The issue of nuclear power plant construction in the Republic of Kazakhstan has been raised for a long time. Of course, in order to meet the energy needs of an independent country, the construction of a nuclear power plant is the main requirement today, supported by the Head of State, repeatedly raised by the heads of competent authorities in the energy sector and put forward for public discussion. Specific deadlines for the construction of nuclear power plants have been repeatedly set, but this initiative has not yet been implemented.

Currently, more than 400 nuclear power reactors operate in more than 30 countries and generate 10.5% of the world's electricity. In addition, according to the United Nations International Agency for the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency), 58 nuclear power plants are under construction in 17 countries around the world. In 2022. Egypt has begun construction of its first nuclear power plant. In the future, it is planned to build another 100 nuclear power plants.

Nuclear power plants in Kazakhstan are an important area of the country's energy policy. The development of nuclear energy in Kazakhstan has several main advantages:

- Nuclear power plants can reduce dependence on coal and gas by diversifying the country's energy supply sources;

- An environmentally friendly energy source that reduces greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere;

- The NPP operates continuously and does not depend on weather conditions;

- The introduction of modern technologies ensures high efficiency and safety of nuclear power plants;

- Nuclear energy has a wide impact on the technological development of the country;

- The operation of a nuclear power plant affects the economic growth of the region in which it is located;

- Modern nuclear power plants will be integrated into intelligent grid systems, which will increase energy efficiency;

- Nuclear energy will reduce dependence on energy imports and strengthen the country's energy independence;

- The NPP will provide long-term prospects for the development of Kazakhstan's energy infrastructure;

- Nuclear power plants can be used to produce hydrogen and other high-tech products;

- The introduction of nuclear power plants will contribute to research and innovation in the field of nuclear physics and technology. The President's Message, which took place on September 2 this year, says: "Every day our economy needs a lot of energy. Nuclear energy can provide such demand," the head of state said. An important decision of our state will be the President's raising the issue of the construction of a nuclear power plant. "Given the long-term national interests and peculiarities of our country, we must think about the future. Therefore, I constantly talk about the need to make decisions on the construction of nuclear power plants with a broad discussion and public understanding of plans of a non-strategic nature," he added. "Today, energy plays an important role in the economy of Kazakhstan. Ensuring energy security is one of the main tasks. The pace of energy consumption in Kazakhstan is growing from year to year. But the new power supplies being launched are not suitable for him. Electricity produced in excess of demand may be exhausted in the near future. In fact, the development of the country directly depends on the stability of the energy sector," Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said.

As the Head of state noted, there is a steady trend towards decarbonization of industry and the economy in the world. In the EU member states, it is planned to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55 percent by 2030. A carbon tax ("carbontax") is being introduced in the EU. This can significantly complicate the export of Kazakh products. Due to the new conditions, technical regulations, standards and requirements for goods are changing. On behalf of the President, a concept for the development of Kazakhstan with a low level of carbon use for the period up to 2050 is being developed. The government is also working on a national project for the development of the electric power industry, and the country's energy balance is being prepared until 2035. Kazakhstan was clearly focused on the development of renewable and alternative energy sources. Our country has managed to achieve a qualitative increase in the share of renewable energy sources in the structure of the total energy balance by 3%. Previously, we set a goal to bring this figure to 10% by 2030. Taking into account the new conditions and the current positive pace, I commit to increase the share of renewable energy sources in power plants to 15% by 2030," the head of state said.

 Summing up the above issues, it should be noted that during the construction of the NPP, the following proposals should be taken into account:

- Clarification of regulatory legal acts on the construction and implementation of nuclear power plants; - during the construction of nuclear power plants, it is necessary to monitor the safety condition, which does not harm the environment;

- Creation of a body with special competence in the field of nuclear power plants, or transfer it to the institution responsible for operation, and assignment of legal status to this organization;

- Increasing the level of knowledge of qualified specialists needed at nuclear power plants;

- Ensuring social and legal protection of employees with the involvement of specialists of the country in regulating the labor market during the construction of nuclear power plants.

Isabekov Akylbek Kashkenovich - Candidate of Law, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University,

Associate Professor of the Department of "Theory and History of State and Law, Constitutional and Administrative Law" of the Faculty of Law.