After the construction of the first high-capacity nuclear power plant, Kazakhstan may begin building two more nuclear power plants, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said in an interview with the republican newspaper "Ana tili", Report informs.
"I am convinced that Kazakhstan needs a high-capacity nuclear power plant. Moreover, I do not rule out that in the near future we will begin building a second, and possibly a third nuclear power plant," Tokayev said.
He noted that the nuclear industry will give a powerful impetus to the development of the economy of Kazakhstan, which is already experiencing an energy deficit.
"I believe that Kazakhstan should become a country with developed nuclear energy. It has a great future," the head of state noted.
Tokayev added that the Kazakh side will act as the general operator in the consortium for the construction of the NPP.
"This issue was discussed with Vladimir Putin [President of the Russian Federation] during his visit to Astana. We agreed that the Kazakh side will act as the general operator in the consortium as the customer of the project," he noted.
The president emphasized that competitive procedures will be held this year, after which the government will make a final decision.