Astana: Kazakhstan should not purchase electricity from other countries given its natural resources and domestic production potential, President Kassym-Jomart Tokaev said on Wednesday, stressing the strategic importance of the energy sector for national security. Kazakhstan has 'significant' coal reserves, with annual production exceeding 110 million tons, and must leverage this advantage effectively, the presidential press service Akorda reported, citing Tokaev.

According to Anadolu Agency, Tokaev emphasized that the country's vast energy potential is crucial for national security. "Ultimately, this is a matter of national security. We must effectively utilize the country's vast energy potential," he said. He also highlighted the need for Kazakhstan to accelerate its transition to modern clean coal technologies to improve the efficiency of coal-fired power plants.

Tokaev outlined plans for the construction of a thermal power plant in Kurchatov and combined heat and power plants in Kokshetau, Semey, and Ust-Kamenogorsk, all of which must operate using clean coal technology. He stressed that delays in implementing these projects are 'unacceptable,' reiterating the strategic importance of the energy sector for the country.

Moreover, Tokaev discussed the construction of two nuclear power plants, including the Balkhash Nuclear Power Plant, as a means to strengthen Kazakhstan's energy capacity. "The emergence of nuclear power plants on Kazakhstan's energy map will signify our country's transition to a qualitatively new level of economic development. Clearly, large-scale global transformations will impact the energy sector. Intense competition for energy resources is unfolding globally. We must meet these new requirements," he stated.