Kazakhstan Bolsters Nuclear Partnerships for Legacy Cleanup and Civilian Power
Kazakhstan, a leading global uranium producer, is bolstering its international partnerships to tackle its substantial nuclear legacy and pave the way for civilian nuclear power. The country, which has a history of over 450 nuclear weapons tests and research reactors, is committed to implementing stringent international safety and regulatory standards.
Nukem, a German company, has stepped in to advise Kazakhstan on decommissioning, nuclear waste treatment, and remediation of contaminated sites. Nukem President Thomas Seipolt expressed pride in supporting Kazakhstan's nuclear program, bringing its expertise in back-end technologies to the table.
The government is looking ahead, preparing to introduce civilian nuclear power. Its ambitious goal is to have nuclear energy contribute 5% to the national power mix by 2035. However, safely decommissioning the BN-350 reactor and ensuring the long-term storage of spent fuel are among the country's most pressing nuclear challenges.
International cooperation is key to Kazakhstan's nuclear plans. A nuclear power plant in the Almaty region is initially planned, with Russia's RosAtom taking the lead. Further reactor units could follow, potentially with Chinese involvement. Meanwhile, Kazakhstan, Germany, and Japan have joined forces to promote peaceful nuclear energy use and development in the country. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Kazakh Atomic Energy Agency and German company Nukem Technologies for nuclear decommissioning and waste management. Additionally, the Japanese Muroosystems Corporation signed a cooperation agreement with the Kazakh Atomic Energy Agency on August 15, 2023.
With these international partnerships, Kazakhstan is well on its way to managing its nuclear legacy and harnessing nuclear power for civilian use. The country's commitment to high safety standards and cooperation with global leaders in the field bodes well for a successful transition to a cleaner, more diverse energy mix.
