Kazakhstan Aims for Civilian Nuclear Power by 2035 with RosAtom and Nukem
Kazakhstan, a significant player in the global nuclear market, is pushing ahead with plans to introduce civilian nuclear power by 2035. The country, which once hosted over 450 Soviet-era nuclear tests, is now seeking international cooperation to manage its nuclear legacy and ensure safety standards.
Leading this effort is RosAtom, which will construct the first plant in the Almaty region. To support this initiative, Kazakhstan has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with German company Nukem Technologies. Nukem, with its expertise in back-end technologies, will advise Kazakhstan on decommissioning, nuclear waste treatment, and contaminated site remediation.
Mr. Catchpole, previously serving as President, CEO, and Director of Uranerz Energy Corporation and later CEO of URZ Energy Corp, heads the German company's involvement. The Japanese company's leader remains unspecified.
This collaboration aims to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and lower CO2 emissions, with nuclear power accounting for around five percent of the national power mix. By implementing high international safety and regulatory standards, Kazakhstan seeks to build trust among its population and the international community. The goal is clear: to manage the nuclear legacy responsibly and pave the way for a sustainable energy future.
