Kyrgyzstan is considering a referendum on nuclear energy.

Faced with a chronic shortage of electricity and the vulnerability of the hydro sector, Kyrgyzstan has announced that the fate of its nuclear program will be decided by the people in a nationwide referendum, reports ANews agency. Although talks with the Russian "Rosatom" are ongoing, authorities in Bishkek emphasize that the current focus is on training personnel and preparing infrastructure, rather than on the construction itself.

The First Deputy Prime Minister, Danijar Amangeldijev, stated that nuclear energy is key to the long-term stability of the system, but steps are being taken "cautiously and in stages". Kyrgyzstan is currently relying on hydroelectric plants, which are extremely sensitive to seasonal fluctuations in water levels, making economic growth planning more difficult.

Regional domino effect: a lesson from Kazakhstan

Bishkek carefully monitors events in the neighborhood. The successful referendum in Kazakhstan in 2024, where citizens supported the construction of a nuclear power plant with Rosatom as the main contractor, gave a boost to pro-nuclear currents across Central Asia. Kyrgyzstan now desires the same level of public legitimacy before signing fixed agreements.

Although officially there is talk of "technical preparation", cooperation with Moscow is already deep – which should not be surprising. The Minister of Energy Taalaibek Ibrajev signed agreements with Russia that cover: exchange of technologies and procurement of electrical equipment, potentially creating joint production facilities as well as modernizing the entire national grid.

The case of Kyrgyzstan is a mirror of the challenges faced by the Western Balkands. Interestingly, this Central Asian country is preparing for the incorporation of nuclear energy by announcing a referendum and proactively thinking about forming an educational system. At the same time, we remind that in Serbia, as far as we could tell, the word "referendum" has not been spoken even once when talking about nuclear energy.