Central Asia’s Role in Russia’s Nuclear Energy Diplomacy
ALMATY, Kazakhstan — Following Kazakhstan’s recent nuclear power referendum, which saw a resounding “yes” vote, the focus now shifts to determining which country will construct the facility. The Kazakh government has expressed support for an international consortium of nuclear energy companies to take on the project, with a final decision expected next year.
However, if Kazakhstan were to exclude Russia’s Rosatom from the process, it would go against the current global trend. In a paper on Russian “nuclear energy diplomacy” published by scholars from the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs, it was suggested that nuclear energy could be Russia’s overlooked advantage in a decarbonizing world.
With the Kremlin hoping to maintain its influence on the international stage, it is likely that energy-strapped partners in Central Asia, such as Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, will cooperate with Rosatom. Uzbekistan has already agreed to a small nuclear power plant built by Rosatom, while Kyrgyzstan is considering a similar facility.
Despite the potential benefits of partnering with Rosatom, there are concerns about the financial and security implications of such projects. Central Asia holds a significant place in Russia’s nuclear energy diplomacy due to shared Soviet-era connections, making operations in the region smoother.
The World Nuclear Industry Status Report indicates that Rosatom is a leading constructor of reactors globally, with numerous projects underway in countries like Bangladesh, China, Egypt, India, and Turkey. While nuclear power has faced challenges since the Fukushima accident, Russia continues to prioritize nuclear projects over renewables.
The construction of nuclear power plants comes with substantial costs, with estimates for facilities in Turkey, Bangladesh, and Kazakhstan reaching billions of dollars. These projects often involve complex financing agreements and can be subject to delays and geopolitical risks.
In light of these challenges, policymakers in Central Asia are proceeding cautiously. Kazakhstan’s decision to include a “sanctions clause” in agreements for the nuclear power plant reflects concerns about potential disruptions. Uzbekistan has scaled back its nuclear ambitions, opting for smaller reactor capacities with Rosatom.
The idea of an international consortium building the nuclear plant in Kazakhstan reflects efforts to navigate geopolitical tensions and attract multiple partners. However, industry experts caution that the responsibility for such projects ultimately falls on a single entity, making collaboration among multiple companies challenging.
As Kazakhstan moves forward with its nuclear power plans, questions remain about the long-term implications of partnering with foreign entities for such critical infrastructure. The government asserts that the project will be purely commercial in nature, but experts emphasize the complex technical and political considerations involved in nuclear energy development.
