U.S. National Labs Experts Paid Technical Visit to NNC RK

Experts from the US National Laboratories Los Alamos (LANL) and Idaho (INL) conducted a technical visit to the National Nuclear Center of the Republic of Kazakhstan. 

The technical visit included working consultations and a site tour of the “Baikal-1” research reactor complex. Foreign experts reviewed the ongoing operation of the IPOD system modules, assessed the collected data and engaged in discussions regarding the specific aspects of the functionality of system. 

Specialists conducted an assessment of the demonstration module and addressed matters concerning maintenance and the potential optimization of operating parameters. 

As a result of the meeting, the parties approved the 2026 schedule for the modernization of the IPOD equipment and identified next steps for expanding cooperation. Further joint activities leveraging the scientific and technical infrastructure of National Nuclear Center of RK has been planned.

Background. The IPOD (Instrumentation POD) is intended for condition monitoring of dry nuclear material storage containers. The system automatically collects and analyzes parameters, allowing for the verification of containment integrity, location tracking, and environmental stability in order to maintain physical nuclear security and support non-proliferation objectives.