The Kazakhstan Atomic Energy Agency has announced that Kazakhstan plans to build at least three nuclear power plants by 2050, and the first nuclear power project has already begun construction.

Its nuclear energy development strategy mainly aims to ensure energy supply security, promote sustainable economic growth, fulfill international climate related commitments, while driving the development of high-tech industries and enhancing Kazakhstan's influence in the global nuclear energy industry. According to the strategic plan, at least three nuclear power plants will be put into operation in Kazakhstan by 2050. The first nuclear power plant project has entered the implementation stage, the construction of the second one is being prepared and discussed, and the third one is planned to explore the use of small modular reactor technology.

Comprehensive promotion of industrial layout

In addition to the construction of nuclear power plants, this strategy also proposes the rational development and utilization of uranium resources, promotes the localization of nuclear power equipment and fuel production, and enhances the country's industrial manufacturing capabilities. At the same time, we will focus on developing nuclear science and applied technology, building modern scientific research platforms, and improving the professional talent training system.

The document also specifies the safe disposal plan for radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel, minimizing their impact on the environment. It also plans to use digital technology to ensure that the information security of nuclear facilities is at a high standard level. The organization stated that advancing this strategy can enable Kazakhstan to build a modern and sustainable nuclear energy industry cluster and integrate into the global nuclear energy industry system. Kazakhstan will also rely on domestic nuclear power plants to establish a nuclear power construction capacity center, undertake functions such as project coordination and engineering general contracting, and hold state-owned shares in future nuclear power projects. In the long run, the plan is to establish a professional nuclear energy holding company and integrate project and operation related institutions within the industry.

Synchronized follow-up of talent cultivation

According to experts' calculations, the construction of a single nuclear power plant requires nearly 10000 workers, including over 3000 technical professionals. Kazakhstan is currently optimizing its technical and vocational education curriculum, focusing on cultivating talents such as nuclear power equipment operators, electricians, equipment installers, and nuclear power safety operation and maintenance technicians. At the same time, it is offering undergraduate majors in nuclear energy applications and adding related professional directions such as reactor equipment operators.

Multi country technology cooperation landing

Kazakhstan's first nuclear power plant will adopt third-generation+reactors, with more advanced equipment reliability and safety systems, equipped with passive safety devices that do not require manual operation or external power supply. The project drew on international experience in nuclear power construction and also learned from the lessons of the Fukushima nuclear accident in Japan, and implemented protective measures to prevent the leakage of radioactive materials in extreme accidents. The first nuclear power plant was constructed by Rosatom, and the construction partners for the second and third nuclear power plants were China National Nuclear Corporation. Keywords: Kazakhstan, nuclear power plants, China Kazakhstan cooperation

The first nuclear power plant is located in Urken Village, Almaty Oblast, on the banks of Lake Balkhash, about 400 kilometers northwest of Almaty. The government has determined that the Jiangbu'er District of Almaty Oblast, adjacent to the first nuclear power plant, will be the construction site for the second nuclear power plant.Editor/Gong Ziwei