Kazakhstan Celebrates 80 Years of the Nuclear Industry
A ceremonial event dedicated to the 80th anniversary of Kazakhstan’s nuclear industry was held in Almaty.
The gathering brought together representatives of government bodies, international organizations, the scientific community, businesses, and nuclear energy veterans — marking a major milestone in the industry calendar.
Opening the event, Vladimir Shkolnik, President of the Nuclear Society of Kazakhstan, emphasized the significance of nuclear energy for the country’s future, the role of domestic scientists and specialists, and the contributions of veterans who were at the origins of the industry.
A welcome address was also delivered by Zhomart Zhasanov, Project Director at Kazakhstan Nuclear Power Plants LLP. He noted that Kazakhstan is moving from planning to the practical implementation of its first nuclear power plant — a project that will stand as a symbol of the country’s technological maturity and energy independence.
“We are not merely preserving the legacy of nuclear science built over the past 80 years — we are creating a new industry that will drive progress and sustainable development,” Zhasanov emphasized.
He added that active preparations are underway for the next phase of the project, including technical design and the development of production infrastructure and human capital.
Among the international guests were representatives of the Interregional Public Movement of Nuclear Energy and Industry Veterans, the Union of Nuclear Energy Veterans of the Kyrgyz Republic, veteran organizations from Tajikistan, the Russian Nuclear Society, and the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI.
Speakers highlighted that Kazakhstan’s energy sector is undergoing a critical stage of its development. The history of the nuclear industry has seen both achievements and challenges, but today the country faces the task of building a new, safe, and technologically resilient energy system.
It was also noted that Kazakhstan, as the world’s leading uranium producer and an active contributor to peaceful nuclear research, continues to play a key role in strengthening global energy security.
