In an effort to drum up much-needed cash for the Kremlin’s war effort in Ukraine, Russia’s state-controlled nuclear entity, Rosatom, is promoting atomic energy as a “green” solution to Central Asia’s power problems. However, concerns about safety and haphazard operational practices threaten to undermine Rosatom’s efforts.
Central Asian countries, including Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan, are considering nuclear energy as a potential solution to electricity-supply challenges. Rosatom is seeking to build small, low-power nuclear reactors in the region, despite concerns about safety in a seismic zone prone to powerful earthquakes.
Dmitry Konstantinov, Rosatom’s chief representative in Kyrgyzstan, attempted to dispel concerns about safety standards, citing modern Russian reactors that “fully comply” with safety standards. However, Russia’s history of haphazard practices in plant operation and nuclear waste handling raises concerns.
Rosatom’s push for nuclear energy in Central Asia comes as the region struggles to meet rising demand, with even Kazakhstan experiencing power outages. While nuclear power generation does not emit greenhouse gases, concerns about safety and waste disposal remain.
The fate of Rosatom’s plans in Central Asia remains uncertain, with Kyrgyz officials yet to announce a decision on building a nuclear plant, Uzbekistan signing an agreement for up to six low-power reactors, and Kazakhstan set to hold a nationwide referendum on proceeding with nuclear plans.
