Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Leading experts in the nuclear industry gathered in Astana to discuss the growing global demand for nuclear energy from an economic perspective.

The event, organized by the Central Asian branch of the New Nuclear Watch Institute (NNWI) at the Rixos Hotel, was themed "Global Demand for Nuclear Energy and the Role of Central Asia."

The conference brought together highly qualified nuclear energy specialists to discuss the region’s potential in light of the increasing global demand for nuclear power.

The main goal of the event was to explore the role of nuclear energy in ensuring Kazakhstan’s energy security, the economic benefits of expanding nuclear capacity, and the broader impact of energy development on the region.

The discussion included representatives from Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Energy, Kazakhstan Nuclear Power Plants (KNPP), the Kazakhstan Association of Energy Organizations, Rosatom Central Asia, as well as members of the professional community and independent experts.

Currently, none of the five Central Asian countries have operational nuclear power plants. However, both Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan have long discussed the need for nuclear energy development to support economic growth and combat the effects of climate change.

In May this year, Uzbekistan announced the signing of a contract with the Russian company Rosatom to build a small nuclear power plant. In Kazakhstan, a referendum on the construction of a nuclear power plant is scheduled for October 6.

“By 2035, 26.5 GW of new generating capacity will be introduced as part of the energy balance plan,” said Gulmira Mursalova, Deputy Director of the Department of Nuclear Energy and Industry at Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Energy.

Sergey Agafonov, a representative of the Kazakhstan Association of Energy Supplying Organizations, emphasized: "Nuclear power plants can become a driving force for Kazakhstan’s energy future, promoting the development of small and medium-sized businesses."

Zhakyb Khayrushev, a representative of the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs "Atameken," added: "The construction of a nuclear power plant will give a boost to entrepreneurship in Kazakhstan. Entrepreneurs view this project in terms of economic benefits and have an instinct for successful industries."

Maryam Ishanova, Public Relations Manager at Rosatom in Central Asia, highlighted the importance of increasing public support for nuclear technologies. “Rosatom is a global company. When we implement large-scale infrastructure projects, we always engage in dialogue with civil society and conduct a wide range of educational initiatives.”

NNWI emphasizes that Central Asia’s vast uranium reserves make the region promising for the development of nuclear energy. The event was organized by NNWI Central Asia, an international industry-supported think tank that promotes nuclear energy as a means to meet the long-term sustainable energy needs of countries.