Kazakhstan is poised to utilize local talent in the operation of a nuclear power plant (NPP) if the upcoming referendum on October 6 favors its construction. Energy Minister Almassadam Satkaliyev made this commitment in a recent interview with Tengrinews.
“We are confident that Kazakhstani specialists, equipped with the necessary qualifications and experience gained from various nuclear power plants worldwide, will perform at the highest level,” Satkaliyev stated.
He emphasized that the selection of a construction vendor would include provisions for the comprehensive training of local personnel and the development of a scientific and applied base, alongside social investments.
Satkaliyev noted that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has expressed interest in collaborating with Kazakh specialists. Kazakhstan already boasts a skilled workforce in nuclear technology, with around 2,000 experts from the Institute of Nuclear Physics and the national nuclear center, equipped with extensive scientific competencies. Additionally, young specialists trained at the Dubna center and those currently working on Turkey’s Akkuyu NPP will contribute their expertise to the project.
To enhance the domestic workforce, several Kazakh universities are offering degrees in “Nuclear Engineering,” “Nuclear Physics,” and “Theoretical Nuclear Physics.” Satkaliyev assured that strict financial oversight would accompany the construction of the NPP. This would involve standard inspections, involvement from the Supreme Audit Chamber and the Prosecutor General’s Office for transparency, and international monitoring through regular IAEA missions.
On September 2, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a decree calling for a referendum on the NPP’s construction to be held on October 6. The Central Election Commission has been tasked with organizing the vote.
The Ministry of Energy has identified the village of Ulken in the Zhambyl district of the Almaty region as the most suitable site for the NPP. While various suppliers of nuclear technology, including China’s CNNC, South Korea’s KHNP, Russia’s Rosatom, and France’s EDF, are under consideration, the referendum will not address the selection of a vendor.
