ASTANA, Kazakhstan, May 16. Chairman of
Kazakhstan’s Atomic Energy Agency Almasadam Satkaliyev and Rosatom
Director General Alexey Likhachev held talks in Moscow on the
Balkhash nuclear power plant project, Trend reports, citing Kazakhstan’s Atomic
Energy Agency.


During the negotiations, the parties discussed a wide range of
issues related to cooperation in the development of the nuclear
industry, including the implementation of the Balkhash NPP
construction project in Kazakhstan. Particular attention was paid
to personnel training for the nuclear sector, the development of
scientific and technical cooperation, as well as production
localization and the participation of Kazakh enterprises in nuclear
projects.


“We discussed the issues of localization and the involvement of
Kazakh companies in the construction of this plant, personnel
training, as well as the overall development of long-term
cooperation. It is encouraging to note that we have reached mutual
understanding on all key issues. Basic approaches have been
developed that fully meet the interests of our states and reflect
the strategic nature of relations between our countries,”
Satkaliyev said.


Following the meeting, Likhachev stressed the importance of
comprehensive preparations for the implementation of the Balkhash
NPP project, including engineering and environmental-climatic
studies of the site.


“Virtually the entire production program is being carried out.
We need at least a year of observation at the site in order to
prepare all the necessary reports and implement the project in
strict accordance with the natural, geological, and weather
conditions of this particular location,” the Rosatom chief
said.







According to him, the Balkhash plant project will be developed
taking into account the local characteristics of the site and will
be based on Russian nuclear energy technologies.


The parties also confirmed their interest in continuing
constructive dialogue and further developing cooperation in the
peaceful use of nuclear energy.


The Balkhash NPP will become Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power
plant. Its construction is planned in the village of Ulken in the
Almaty region.