The decision on whether to build a nuclear power plant in Kyrgyzstan will be left to the people – the issue will be put to a referendum

In Kyrgyzstan, there are plans to put the issue of building a nuclear power plant to a referendum – the final decision will be left to the citizens.

First Deputy Prime Minister Daniyar Amangeldiev stated that the country is continuing consultations with Rosatom, but the decision on the construction of the nuclear power plant will only be taken once the infrastructure and personnel have been prepared.

According to him, the project is being considered as one of the ways to address the energy deficit. The possibility of building both a small and a medium-sized plant was also previously confirmed by the head of the state corporation, Alexey Likhachev.

Kyrgyzstan is facing growing demand for electricity and is seeking new sources of generation — from hydroelectric power stations to renewable projects and thermal power stations.

Back in 2022, Kyrgyzstan and Rosatom signed a memorandum on the construction of a small nuclear power plant with RITM-200 reactors. A preliminary technical and economic assessment of the project was subsequently prepared, but a final decision has not yet been taken.