Speaker
Description
The first round of consideration of the construction of a nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan began in the mid-90s. The second time, with serious intentions, talking about construction of a nuclear power plant started in the mid-2000s. And for the third round, activity in the construction of a nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan dates back to 2013-2014 with government commission recommending two construction areas. No final construction decisions were made due to surplus of electricity. However with country’s electricity demand growing it is expected to have electricity shortage by 2030.
Energy demand and economical sides of the project considered as reasons for delay of construction; however, there are far more reasons explaining why it would be challenging to progress with nuclear power plant construction in Kazakhstan. One of the main obstacles would be social rejection of the project due to trauma after nuclear weapon testing in Semipalatinsk area, with people still suffering from its consequences with growing rates of cancer and birth defects in area. All the tragedy and horror of the past left its deep wounds to Kazakh people. Also, lack of nuclear knowledge, communication to public, cultural security, and public awareness would be addition to the project delay.
Promotional text
In my presentation I would like analyze how development of nuclear knowledge among citizens, communication to public would raise public awareness and cultural security, and have direct impact in social acceptance of nuclear power plant contraction project.
