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Kazakhstan and Russia are exploring significant opportunities to involve domestic companies in the construction of the Balkhash Nuclear Power Plant (NPP), a key initiative aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in the atomic energy sector.

The potential for localizing the construction process was a central theme during a recent meeting in Moscow between the head of Kazakhstan's Atomic Energy Agency, Almasadam Satkaliyev, and the Director General of Russia's State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom, Alexey Likhachev.

Boosting Local Participation

Discussions focused on a broad spectrum of cooperation in the nuclear field, with a particular emphasis on integrating Kazakhstani enterprises into the Balkhash NPP project. This includes developing training programs for nuclear industry personnel, advancing scientific and technical collaboration, and ensuring the localization of production capabilities.

"We discussed the issues of localization and involving Kazakh companies in the construction of this plant, personnel training, as well as developing approaches that fully align with the strategic nature of relations between our countries. I am pleased that we have reached a common understanding on all positions," stated Almasadam Satkaliyev.

Project Implementation and Site Studies

Alexey Likhachev highlighted the importance of comprehensive preparation for the Balkhash NPP project. He stressed the necessity of conducting thorough engineering and environmental-climate studies of the proposed site.

"We need at least a year for site monitoring. After that, we will form all the necessary calculations and implement the project in accordance with the natural, geological, and weather conditions of the specific location," Likhachev explained. He added that the project would be developed based on Russian nuclear energy technologies, taking into account the local characteristics of the site.

Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to continuing a constructive dialogue and further developing cooperation in the peaceful use of atomic energy.

This information was reported by Infohub.kz.