Kazakhstan to eventually adopt decision to build NPP - president

NUR-SULTAN. Nov 19 (Interfax) - Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has said that he will have to adopt a decision on building a nuclear power plant (NPP) in Kazakhstan, a move that is unlikely to enjoy support among the country's population.

"I think that eventually we will have to adopt such a decision [on building an NPP]. We can already sense the first signs of electricity shortages in Kazakhstan. Of course, there is no total deficit. The balance is approximately zero. But the first signs have been noticed," the presidential press service quoted Tokayev as saying at a meeting with representatives of Almaty's financial sector on Friday.

"Therefore, as we look into the future, we will have to adopt unpopular decisions on building a nuclear power plant," he said.

"But, as the saying goes, adopting unpopular decisions is part of the leader's role," Tokayev said.

The possibility of building an NPP in Kazakhstan has been debated for several years. Tokayev said in early September that "it's time to take a closer look at this issue, considering that Kazakhstan needs a nuclear power plant."

Russian President Vladimir Putin said earlier that Russia is ready to build an NPP in Kazakhstan, adding that this offer is not limited to just constructing such a facility.