On December 12, 2022, in Astana, a round-table discussion “Development of nuclear energy in the Republic of Kazakhstan” was held, organized by the representative office of the British Analytical Institute New Nuclear Watch Institute (NNWI) in Central Asia with the participation of representatives of the following organizations: The Committee for Atomic and Energy Supervision and Control of the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan (CAESC ME RK); Kazakhstan Nuclear Power Plants JSC of Samruk-Kazyna National Welfare Fund (KNPP JSC Samruk-Kazyna NWF); RSE NNC RK ME RK; RSE INP ME RK; Nuclear Technology Safety Center (NTSC); KEGOC JSC; PI Integrity Astana; the “NSK” Association (the NSK); the Pugwash Committee of Kazakhstan (the PCK), etc..

The event was moderated by Baurzhan Ibraev, Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences - Chairman of VNSEI under the NSK, member of the PCK, Chairman of the NNWI Advisory Council for Central Asia, who in his opening remarks emphasized that the purpose of the round-table discussion is:

  • to inform the expert community about the latest trends in energy and climate change;
  • to discuss and analyze the current state of the energy industry, including issues of nuclear power development in Kazakhstan and to formulate recommendations for the expert community on the development of the industry.

Then he gave the floor to Tim Yeo, Chairman of the NNWI, who organized a number of events with the participation of industry leaders, politicians and opinion makers in the UK, Europe, Asia and other countries, conducting explanatory work at conferences, seminars, and the media to ensure widespread recognition of the benefits of nuclear energy.

In his speech, Tim Yeo noted that in the energy system of any country, there must be a combination of all energy sources, and RES cannot be considered as basic, because they depend on natural conditions, while the NPP, on the contrary, works when the sun is not shining and the wind is not blowing, and where there are no rivers, unlike other sources. The expert noted that many people in Kazakhstan are concerned about the safety of the future nuclear power plant, but it is important to understand that since Chernobyl, industry standards and technologies have changed markedly.

Within the framework of the Agenda, Kazakhstani participants spoke:

  • Makhambetov A. (KNPP JSC Samruk-Kazyna NWF) on the topic: “Status of the NPP construction project” in the Republic of Kazakhstan;
  • Shiganakov Sh.B. (NTSC) on the topic: “The legislative framework in the Republic of Kazakhstan for the construction of nuclear power plants”;
  • Sakhiev S.K. (RSE INP ME RK) on the topic: “The place of INP in the nuclear power industry of the Republic of Kazakhstan”;
  • Zarva D. (RSE NNC RK ME RK) on the topic: “NNC opportunities for the development of nuclear energy in the Republic of Kazakhstan”.

The following speakers took part in the discussion: G.Sergazin (CAESC ME RK), N.Kerimkulov (KEGOC JSC), Zh.Nurgaliyev (PI Integrity Astana), R.Rysmambetov (financial analyst) and T.Akhmetov (the Pugwash Committee of the Republic of Kazakhstan).

All participants of the round table noted the importance of the role of experts and scientific circles involved in various discussion formats to develop conceptual recommendations on the prospects for the development of nuclear energy, taking into account the realities of Kazakhstan.

NNWI notes the importance of having a national nuclear energy development program and an independent nuclear regulatory body and is ready to provide support, taking into account international experience and an external independent view of the situation in the region.

More information can be found on the website: www.newnuclearwatchinstitute.org

For reference:

NNWI is a British analytical institute that deals with the international development of nuclear energy as a means for governments to meet their country's long-term needs for sustainable energy.