Nuclear engineers from Russia and Kazakhstan discussed nuclear safety issues at a seminar organized by Rosatom. The event was also attended by researchers and representatives of Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Health, other government agencies and industry organizations.
A technical seminar on the safety of nuclear power plants was held in Astana in June. Rosatom experts spoke about the safety of Generation III reactors, the role of nuclear power in the sustainable operation of energy systems and its impact on the environment and social aspects.
Russian nuclear engineers and their Kazakhstan colleagues discussed the advantages of cutting-edge cooling technology, including ‘dry’ cooling towers that can substantially reduce water consumption by nuclear power plants. Rosatom offers dry cooling solutions to the regions short of water resources.
“We are confident that the technology we are ready to offer for the project [in Kazakhstan] is safe and reliable. Today, Generation III+ VVER reactors are among the safest and most advanced worldwide, which is confirmed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA),” Alexander Renyov, a technical expert from Rosatom, told the audience.
Director of the Atomic Energy and Industry Department of the Kazakhstan Ministry of Energy Gumar Sergazin noted that preparations for the referendum were underway as the agency was disseminating information about nuclear power and raising awareness among the locals. “As part of the ongoing work, this seminar gives colleagues an opportunity to better understand the safety of existing nuclear plant designs. Nuclear projects require thorough understanding of every nuance and process in the industry, meticulous administrative and professional preparations, and new skills and knowledge,” he said.
In late June, President of Kazakhstan Kasym-Jomart Tokayev announced that the national referendum on the construction of nuclear power plants in Kazakhstan would be held in the autumn of 2024. According to him, the country has great opportunities for the development of nuclear energy. Kasym-Jomart Tokayev pointed out that no economic development would be possible without a reliable supply of power. “This is why I have given instructions to analyze the matter of building a nuclear power plant. There is much discussion at present, with different points of view being expressed,” President Tokayev said.
The need for the referendum was first mentioned by the President last September. According to the Ministry of Energy, public discussions on the matter have been held since October 2023 in some cities of the country, particularly in Kokshetau, Petropavlovsk, Kostanay, Ust-Kamenogorsk, Shymkent, Turkestan and Taraz.
“People had a chance to ask questions of interest about the safety of technologies, social aspects and economics of the nuclear construction project. Public discussions were held in a constructive manner and confirmed the importance of contacts between civil society, experts and government authorities when making important public decisions. The discussions showed that local residents support the construction of a nuclear plant in Kazakhstan, representatives of the Ministry of Energy said.
Rosatom is among the four potential nuclear technology vendors considered by Astana. Last autumn, Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed Russia’s readiness to develop a nuclear power plant project for Kazakhstan. Experts have repeatedly noted the advantages of Russian nuclear technologies.
