[2] The initiative was aimed at reducing fossil fuel reliance, curbing greenhouse gas emissions and bolstering national electricity generation in light of frequent power outages in recent years.

The idea of building a new plant gained momentum in the late 1990s, after the decommissioning of the Soviet-era BN-350 reactor at the Mangyshlak Atomic Energy Combine [kk; ru] (MAEK) in the city of Aqtau, which had provided electricity, desalinated water from the Caspian Sea, and weapons-grade plutonium for Soviet nuclear weapons.

[13][14] Government efforts, including international cooperation with Russia, France, Japan, and South Korea to conduct feasibility studies, have been made to support each proposal for nuclear plant projects.

[27] In response to the controversy, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized that decisions regarding the potential construction of a nuclear power plant could not be made without considering public opinion.

[28] Shortly after his election as president in June 2019, Tokayev acknowledged that discussions about the project were ongoing, underscoring that public consultations with citizens would be held if necessary, and indicating that a referendum could also be conducted regarding the initiative.

[39][40] In response to these challenges, President Tokayev described the situation as revealing "the first signs of electricity shortages" and did not rule out the possibility of making "inherently unpopular decisions" regarding the construction of a nuclear power plant.

[47] Independent expert Jaqyp Hayrushev suggests that a nuclear plant could have met the current shortfall of 1.5 GWe, similar to the consumption of regional centers like Oral.

[49][50] In 2012, then-President Nursultan Nazarbayev launched the Kazakhstan-2050 Strategy, aiming to position Kazakhstan among the top 30 most developed nations by 2050, with a focus on transitioning to a low-carbon economy.

[52][53] In 2016, Kazakhstan further solidified its commitment to these goals by signing the Paris Agreement, pledging to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition toward sustainable energy practices.

[54] At the Climate Ambition Summit 2020, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev outlined Kazakhstan's commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2060,[55] emphasizing nuclear power's role as a low-carbon source.

[57] While nuclear power has the potential to significantly reduce air pollution and environmental degradation compared to fossil fuels,[58] concerns regarding radioactive waste management present critical challenges for safe implementation.

[60][61] Speculations about holding a referendum on the construction of a nuclear power plant arose after President Tokayev's 2019 proposal, as the government continued moving forward with the project.

[62] Political scientist Dimaş Äljanov expressed skepticism about the fairness of a potential referendum on the nuclear power plant, arguing that without proper mechanisms, the voting results could be falsified in favor of the Kazakh government's interests, especially given the general public's negative sentiment toward the authorities.

[65][66] On 1 September 2023, President Tokayev announced during his State of the Nation Address that a nationwide referendum on the construction of a nuclear power plant will take place, with specific voting date to be determined later, highlighting its significance for Kazakhstan's future as the largest uranium producer in the world.

Energy Minister Almasadam Sätqaliev added that the referendum aims to encourage Kazakhstanis to express their views on the need for technological development, while the government will provide solutions that align with societal needs.

The Kazakh delegation toured nuclear power plants in South Korea, signed a memorandum of understanding with KHNP,[81][82] and sent specialists to France to study their facilities.

[91][92] Samruk-Kazyna chairman Nurlan Jaqypov did not rule out Rosatom's strong chances of winning the bid while also expressing concerns about various difficulties in implementing the project.

[93] However, European Union discussions on potential sanctions against Russia's nuclear industry complicated Kazakhstan's plans to cooperate with Rosatom,[94] leading to delays in selecting a foreign partner.

[72][99][100] The Kazakh government engaged in public deliberations regarding the proposed construction of the Ülken Nuclear Power Plant, emphasizing careful consideration over haste in making their decision.

On 27 August 2024, Minister of Energetics of Kazakhstan, Almasadam Sätqaliev alleged that there was an unspecified group and political campaign trying to change the public opinion on the issue to be against the construction.