REVIEW PAPER
Sociological analysis of public opinion on the construction of a nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan
1
Institute of Management, Academy of Public Administration under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan
2
Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Kazakhstan
3
Almaty Technological University, Kazakhstan
Submission date: 2024-07-20
Final revision date: 2024-11-25
Acceptance date: 2025-01-07
Publication date: 2025-03-27
Corresponding author
Beimbet Mussin
Institute of Management, Academy of Public Administration under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Astana, Kazakhstan
Institute of Management, Academy of Public Administration under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Astana, Kazakhstan
Polityka Energetyczna – Energy Policy Journal 2025;28(1):151-172
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
Energy policyRenewable energy sourcesEcological, economic, social and legal aspects in energy systems
ABSTRACT
The prospect of constructing a nuclear power plant (NPP) in Kazakhstan has been intermittently discussed since the mid-1990s. It was not until 2021 that the issue received significant governmental attention due to predictions of an imminent energy deficit. An information imbalance exists, with authorities presenting the NPP as the sole solution to potential energy shortages and economic stagnation. The Kazakh government has announced a national referendum to decide, highlighting the country’s leadership in uranium production and the need to advance its nuclear science.
Despite these developments, significant concerns remain regarding the risks and consequences of building the NPP, as the public lacks sufficient information about the project’s prospects and potential impacts. The population has more questions than answers, reflecting a need for comprehensive and accurate information from the state.
Public engagement is essential for the successful implementation of the NPP project. The government has initiated public discussions and hearings to achieve consensus and address public concerns. These efforts are critical, as public support is necessary for the project.
This study explores public awareness, transparency, and trust in the government’s nuclear energy policy. It employs a sociological online survey to gauge public opinion and includes information from government materials, news articles, and a review of international experiences in nuclear energy. The findings underscore the importance of informed public engagement and transparent communication in successfully implementing nuclear energy projects in Kazakhstan.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
The Authors have no conflicts of interest to declare
METADATA IN OTHER LANGUAGES:
Polish
Socjologiczna analiza opinii publicznej na temat budowy elektrowni jądrowej w Kazachstanie
świadomość społeczna, polityka jądrowa, bezpieczeństwo energetyczne, elektrownia jądrowa, opinia publiczna
Perspektywa budowy elektrowni jądrowej (EJ) w Kazachstanie była z przerwami dyskutowana od połowy lat 90. ubiegłego wieku. Dopiero w 2021 r. kwestia ta zyskała znaczącą uwagę rządu ze względu na prognozy dotyczące zbliżającego się deficytu energii. Obecnie brakuje równowagi informacyjnej, a władze przedstawiają elektrownię jądrową jako jedyne rozwiązanie potencjalnych niedoborów energii i stagnacji gospodarczej. Rząd Kazachstanu ogłosił ogólnokrajowe referendum w celu podjęcia decyzji, podkreślając wiodącą pozycję kraju w produkcji uranu i potrzebę rozwoju nauki o energii jądrowej.
Pomimo tych wydarzeń, nadal istnieją poważne obawy dotyczące ryzyka i konsekwencji budowy elektrowni jądrowej, ponieważ społeczeństwo nie posiada wystarczających informacji na temat perspektyw projektu i jego potencjalnych skutków. Społeczeństwo ma więcej pytań niż odpowiedzi, co odzwierciedla potrzebę uzyskania wyczerpujących i dokładnych informacji od państwa.
Zaangażowanie społeczeństwa jest niezbędne dla pomyślnej realizacji projektu elektrowni jądrowej. Rząd zainicjował publiczne dyskusje i przesłuchania w celu osiągnięcia konsensusu i rozwiania obaw społecznych. Wysiłki te mają kluczowe znaczenie, ponieważ poparcie publiczne jest niezbędne dla realizacji projektu.
Niniejsze badanie dotyczy świadomości społecznej, przejrzystości i zaufania do rządowej polityki w zakresie energii jądrowej. Do oceny opinii publicznej wykorzystano socjologiczną ankietę internetową, a także informacje z materiałów rządowych, artykułów prasowych i przeglądu międzynarodowych doświadczeń w dziedzinie energii jądrowej. Wyniki badania podkreślają znaczenie świadomego zaangażowania społeczeństwa i przejrzystej komunikacji dla pomyślnego wdrożenia projektów energetyki jądrowej w Kazachstanie.
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