ASTANA, Kazakhstan, March 31. Kazakhstan is set to roll out a new law on radioactive waste management, which will come with a few tweaks to bolster nuclear safety, Trend reports.
As part of this process, members of the Mazhilis visited the Institute of Nuclear Physics in Almaty to learn about Kazakhstan's latest developments in the peaceful use of nuclear energy and to discuss legislative approaches with scientists.
In accordance with Yerlan Koshanov, the new legal framework should create optimal conditions for the construction of nuclear power plants (NPPs) and the growth of the nuclear industry while complying with international IAEA standards. The Speaker of Kazakhstan’s Mazhilis (the lower house of the Parliament of Kazakhstan) reminded that during the national referendum, the people of Kazakhstan overwhelmingly supported the decision to build NPPs, turning it into a unifying national idea that brings together the progressive part of society.
“During the referendum, the primary concern for the public was the safety of nuclear power plants. As a result, there is a clear need for legal regulation in this area, in line with the best international standards. The deputies have drafted amendments that will be publicly discussed in the Mazhilis, with input from the public and consideration of all interested parties. The new bill is aimed at addressing societal concerns and responding to the needs of the people of Kazakhstan,” stated Yerlan Koshanov.
On the course of the discussions with the Institute’s staff, various proposals were made regarding the training of personnel for NPPs, the processing of nuclear waste, the introduction of new standards for nuclear industry products, and the creation of conditions to ensure the full integration of the nuclear sector into Kazakhstan’s economy, based on best international practices.
“At the recent National Kurultai (assembly) meeting, the president emphasized that energy development must be approached thoughtfully and comprehensively, with a long-term perspective. The President of Kazakhstan has announced the need for three new nuclear power plants, which will form the foundation of a new nuclear cluster, ensuring the country’s energy independence for decades,” highlighted the Speaker of the Mazhilis.
In his discussion with staff at the Institute of Nuclear Physics (INP), Yerlan Koshanov also emphasized the key role the institution plays in the implementation of the NPP construction project. He noted that the institute serves as evidence of Kazakhstan's expertise and competence in working with peaceful nuclear energy in accordance with the IAEA's best global standards. Furthermore, he pointed out that the INP serves as both a scientific base and a training center for future NPP projects.
The delegation was also shown the radiopharmaceutical production complex, which houses Kazakhstan's only Cyclone-30 accelerator. The complex produces a broad range of medical and industrial radioisotopes, used for diagnosing heart and cancer diseases, and exports them to Germany, the United States, France, and Russia.
Founded in 1957 in Almaty, the Institute of Nuclear Physics is the only scientific institution in Kazakhstan dedicated to the nuclear industry, conducting fundamental and applied research, radioisotope production, and providing services in the peaceful application of nuclear energy.