KNPP and IAEA Discussed Practical Preparations for NPP Construction
KNPP and IAEA Discuss Practical Preparations for NPP Construction
Yernat Berdigulov, General Director of LLP “KNPP” (Kazakhstan Nuclear Power Plants), took part in the 69th IAEA General Conference in Vienna as part of the Kazakh delegation led by Almasadam Satkaliyev, Chairman of the Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan for Atomic Energy.
Throughout the conference, the delegation held a number of bilateral meetings with leading figures from the global nuclear industry, including:
• Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
• Mikhail Chudakov, IAEA Deputy Director General
• Bernard Fontana, Chairman of the Board of EDF
• Sylvia Bermann, President of the World Nuclear Exhibition,
as well as other prominent representatives of the energy and diplomatic communities.
On the sidelines of the General Conference, Mr. Berdigulov met with Sibel Unlu, Head of the IAEA Technical Cooperation Program for Kazakhstan. The meeting focused on key areas of collaboration, including practical preparations for the construction of Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant and the implementation of technical cooperation projects.
Special attention was given to:
• the organization of specialized seminars in Kazakhstan
• upcoming IAEA missions (such as INIR, IRRS, and others)
• available training and internship programs for Kazakhstani nuclear professionals
The parties also discussed potential forms of expert and technical support from the IAEA, as well as Kazakhstan’s international obligations to neighboring countries in line with IAEA norms.
As Yernat Berdigulov emphasized, cooperation with the IAEA is of strategic importance to Kazakhstan. It ensures vital support for key national projects and builds a solid foundation for training the next generation of nuclear industry specialists.
“In the near future, we plan to host joint IAEA technical seminars focused on the responsibilities of nuclear plant owners and operators, as well as training programs for specialists to support the development of Kazakhstan’s nuclear energy sector. These discussions open up new horizons for international cooperation and help shape joint solutions that will determine the future of nuclear energy and contribute to global safety,” said Yernat Berdigulov.
