Visit of Delegation from the National Academy of Sciences of RK under the President of RK

The Delegation from the National Academy of Sciences under the President of RK, headed by the President of the Board K.D. Zakarya made a working visit to the National Nuclear Center of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

The guests visited the scientific infrastructure of the enterprise and were presented with detailed information about the most significant results of the activity and the implemented projects over the recent period.

In particular, the results of conversion of the IVG.1M research reactor to low-enriched fuel were demonstrated. After a huge amount of preparatory work, including a set of design-theoretical and experimental studies, development and implementation of new engineering and technological solutions, the power start-up of this reactor with a low-enriched core was carried out in 2023. In fact, one more step was taken towards reducing the risk of proliferation of nuclear materials used for nuclear weapons development. As a result of the conversion project, a number of reactor complex systems were substantially improved, and the reactor itself was doubled in reactivity.

One more important achievement is the creation and commissioning of the Kazakhstan's Tokamak KTM fusion material science reactor, with unique technical characteristics, that has no analogues in the world. Today, consistent work is carried out to bring Tokamak KTM to its design parameters; there are ongoing scientific studies, which provide for positioning of the Republic of Kazakhstan among the most technologically advanced countries engaged in scientific research in the field of controlled thermonuclear fusion.

A unique materials science complex with the latest equipment was demonstrated, allowing a high level of research on nuclear engineering structural and fuel materials, including irradiated samples.

There are scientific laboratories with advanced hardware and analytical equipment, the activities of which are related to solving environmental problems of the former Semipalatinsk Test Site and ensuring radiation safety at other facilities of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

During the discussions, there was an exchange of opinions on problematic issues and prospects for the development of science in the field of the peaceful use of atomic energy. They noted the importance and relevance of developing both traditional research areas for the nuclear sphere and new initiatives of the National Nuclear Center related to studies on climate change and the development of new energy technologies.