Under maximum production scenario, Kazakhstan can run out of uranium in 60-70 years - KAZENERGY
ASTANA. April 21. KAZINFORM According to the analysis of Kazakhstan's energy market, there is a low level of replenishment of mineral resources, General Director of KAZENERGY Association Asset Magauov stated at a board meeting, Kazinform refers to primeminister.kz.
"At the current level of uranium production, without renewal of the mineral resource base its reserves will last for 80-90 years, under a maximum production scenario - for 60-70 years," he said.
However, he noted that the transition to a closed nuclear fuel cycle would significantly increase the energy potential of uranium reserves.
"In any scenario, without development of new deposits, Kazakhstan can expect decline in production after 2020. After the modernization of oil refineries in case of reduction of oil supplies from Russia it will be necessary to significantly increase the volume of Kazakh oil supplies to the domestic market," Magauov said.
At the same time, Kazakhstan has great potential in relation to renewable energy, especially wind energy, but according to the Association, such energy "is still more expensive than traditional one and its development falls on consumers' shoulders. Therefore, we believe renewable energy should be developed through the mechanisms of state support."