Kazakhstan seeks German expertise in nuclear back-end

Under the MoU, Nukem will provide comprehensive consulting services to Kazakh authorities and operators, evaluate and optimise projects, implement best available practices in remediation and safety, and ensure compliance with global safety and regulatory standards.

The MoU on future cooperation was signed in Astana on 9 September by Thomas Seipolt, president of Nukem, and Gumar Sergazin, deputy chairman of Kazakhstan's Atomic Energy Agency. It followed a high-level meeting to discuss new prospects for cooperation between the leading nuclear institutions of Kazakhstan and Nukem.

After a presentation of Nukem's expertise relevant to Kazakhstan's nuclear programme, the participants exchanged views on specific areas of cooperation for the first time. The focus was on site remediation, waste treatment, and specialised engineering services.

"Nukem is proud to support Kazakhstan's visionary nuclear programme with its globally recognised expertise in back-end technologies," said Seipolt. "Thanks to our ability to integrate international experts into high-performing teams that operate efficiently even under challenging conditions, we look forward to working closely with local professionals to help shape a critical part of Kazakhstan's future infrastructure."

Tokyo-based IT company Muroosystems Corporation completed its acquisition of Nukem in September last year.

"Kazakhstan, Germany, and Japan have demonstrated their shared commitment to pooling their respective expertise and experience to promote the peaceful use and further development of nuclear energy in the country," said Nukem Managing Director Nobuaki Ninomiya. "Building on decades of expertise, Nukem is determined to contribute to Kazakhstan's comprehensive nuclear strategy – with the highest priority given to safety, transparency, and compliance with international standards."

Kazakhstan is the world's leading producer of uranium. Although it does not currently use nuclear energy, it is not without nuclear experience: it has three operating research reactors, and a Russian-designed BN-350 sodium-cooled fast reactor operated near Aktau for 26 years, until 1999.

Kazakhstan has been preparing for a possible nuclear power programme to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, diversify its energy mix and reduce CO2 emissions for some time. The government's target is for nuclear to produce a 5% share of the national generation mix by 2035.

The Kazakh government has formally selected the Zhambyl district of Almaty region as the location for its first proposed nuclear power plant. In June, Rosatom was selected as the leader of an international consortium to build Kazakhstan's first planned nuclear power plant, with China reportedly being lined up to build a second one and possible third one.