BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 5. A Memorandum of
Understanding has been signed between Kazakhstan's Atomic Energy
Agency and Russia's National Research Center "Kurchatov Institute"
on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum
(SPIEF 2026), Trend
reports citing the agency.


The document is aimed at expanding cooperation in scientific
research, personnel training, exchange of expertise, and the
implementation of joint projects in the field of the peaceful use
of nuclear energy.


Speaking at the signing ceremony, Chairman of Kazakhstan's
Atomic Energy Agency Almasadam Satkaliyev emphasized the importance
of strengthening scientific and technological partnership between
Kazakhstan and Russia.


"Kazakhstan is pursuing a comprehensive approach to the
development of its nuclear industry, including the construction of
a nuclear power plant, expansion of research infrastructure,
training of engineering specialists, and enhancement of
international cooperation. The Kurchatov Institute is one of our
key partners in this work. We expect that the signed memorandum
will provide new momentum to our cooperation and serve as a
foundation for concrete joint projects," Satkaliyev said.


The parties identified thermonuclear research, reactor
technologies, nuclear medicine, digitalization of scientific
infrastructure, and the development of joint research initiatives
among the priority areas of cooperation.


The memorandum also envisages broader collaboration in personnel
training and scientific exchange, leveraging the capabilities of
research organizations in both countries.


The implementation of the agreement is expected to contribute to
the further development of scientific and technological cooperation
between Kazakhstan and Russia, strengthen the research base, and
support the training of highly qualified specialists for the
nuclear sector.







The agreement reflects the growing strategic partnership between
Kazakhstan and Russia in the nuclear sector. Russia is one of
Kazakhstan's principal partners in the development of peaceful
nuclear energy and is involved in the implementation of the
country's first nuclear power plant project.


According to Rosatom, on May 28, 2026, during Russian President
Vladimir Putin's state visit to Kazakhstan, the governments of
Russia and Kazakhstan signed an intergovernmental agreement
outlining the key principles and conditions of cooperation on the
construction of a nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan.


The agreement defines the project's main parameters, including
the construction of two Russian-designed power units equipped with
VVER-1200 reactors based on Russian technologies. The document also
covers long-term cooperation during the plant's operational period,
including maintenance services and nuclear fuel supplies.


Earlier, at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum in
June 2025, Rosatom and Kazakhstan's Atomic Energy Agency approved
an indicative roadmap for the NPP construction project.


On August 8, 2025, preliminary works for the Balkhash Nuclear
Power Plant project began in the village of Ulken in Kazakhstan's
Almaty region. The activities include engineering surveys aimed at
selecting the optimal site and preparing design documentation for
the large-capacity nuclear power plant. As of May 2026, more than
90% of field engineering surveys had been completed.