Kazakhstan and France are advancing their partnership in the nuclear energy sector, with recent discussions highlighting cooperation in crucial areas such as personnel development and the potential involvement of French enterprises in the construction of a nuclear power plant within Kazakhstan. These engagements underscore a shared commitment to the peaceful applications of nuclear technology.
The scope of nuclear energy cooperation was central to a recent meeting between Almasadam Satkaliyev, Chairman of the Agency for Atomic Energy, and Sylvain Guiguet, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the French Republic to Kazakhstan. The discussions provided an overview of the current landscape and future possibilities for collaboration between the two nations concerning the peaceful use of nuclear energy, alongside vital initiatives for training specialists to support Kazakhstan’s national nuclear industry.
The nuclear energy cooperation discussions also emphasized the importance of a high-level meeting held on 23rd April 2026, between the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of EDF. This dialogue was recognized as a strong indicator of mutual interest in further developing Kazakhstan France nuclear energy sector cooperation. It was acknowledged that Kazakhstan views EDF and other French companies as principal prospective partners for the ambitious nuclear power plant construction project.
Integral to the ongoing nuclear energy cooperation is the focus on cultivating a skilled workforce for the nuclear sector. The outcomes of a joint workshop, which took place from 25th to 29th May 2026 at the Institute of Nuclear Physics in collaboration with France’s Institut Laue-Langevin, were met with positive reception. This event specifically addressed the development of expertise within the nuclear field.
“One of the key outcomes of the workshop was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan for Atomic Energy and the International Institute of Nuclear Energy (I2EN). The document provides for cooperation in the training of specialists, the development of educational programs, the exchange of experience, and the establishment of a sustainable system for staffing Kazakhstan’s nuclear industry,” the agency reported.
Both parties expressed confidence that the agreements reached will serve to strengthen the enduring partnership between Kazakhstan and France. Furthermore, these initiatives are expected to advance scientific and technical cooperation and contribute significantly to the training of new personnel essential for the continued growth of the nuclear energy sector in Kazakhstan.
