Kazakhstan's First Lake Balkhash Nuclear Power Plant: Involves a Transboundary River, Requires Chinese Approval
(Report by Kazakh International News Agency) Deputy General Manager of Kazatomprom Renat Okasov today shared his views on whether the planned nuclear power plant near Lake Balkhash has received Chinese approval.
According to government resolutions, Kazakhstan plans to build its first nuclear power plant in the Ulekken Village of Zhambyl District, Almaty Province. The location is adjacent to Lake Balkhash. Experts noted that the choice of this site is mainly due to the convenience of transmitting electricity to the southern regions and utilizing lake water for cooling the reactor cores.
It is worth noting that the main source of water for Lake Balkhash comes from the Ili River, which originates in China. According to international standards, the construction of large-scale infrastructure projects along transboundary rivers requires the consent of all riparian countries. Therefore, if the project is to be located in Ulekken Village, Chinese permission will be required.
Will China agree to this project?
In response, Okasov said he expects no obstacles.
"Kazakhstan participates in all major international conventions in the field of nuclear energy. Chinese companies are also included in the potential list of contractors for the nuclear power plant project. We have not yet initiated specific negotiations with China regarding the Ili River issue, but I believe there will be no major difficulties," he stated.
Previously reported, Astana is hosting a seminar discussing the site selection for Kazakhstan's first nuclear power plant, with representatives from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) participating.
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1832534225071107/
Disclaimer: This article solely represents the author's personal views.