ITER and NNC RK Discuss Expanding Cooperation on Controlled Thermonuclear Fusion

On the sidelines of the 70th IAEA General Conference here, representatives of the National Nuclear Center of the Republic of Kazakhstan (NNC RK) held a working meeting with Mr. Pietro Barabaschi, Director General of the ITER Organization, the Parties said.  

Discussions centered on the current state and prospects for further development of scientific and technical cooperation in controlled thermonuclear fusion, materials research and the use of experimental infrastructure of NNC RK.  

It was noted that cooperation between NNC RK and ITER has developed on a systematic basis. The first cooperation agreement was concluded in 2017, and in June 2025, it was extended for a further five years. This agreement provides for the exchange of specialists and development of scientific and technical cooperation in areas of mutual interest.  

Joint work is currently under way to test an anti-friction coating under conditions of reactor irradiation. At the same time, new areas of cooperation are being considered, including the possible use of Tokamak KTM to test a monitoring system for the condition of the ITER vacuum vessel. NNC RK regards KTM not merely as a national research facility, but as an international experimental platform for addressing applied challenges in the interest of advancing fusion energy.  

Particular attention was also given at the meeting to the further integration of Kazakhstani specialists into international research efforts. On July 3, 2026, Kazakhstan officially joined the International Energy Agency’s Technology Collaboration Programme on Tokamak Programmes (CTP-TCP). National Nuclear Center of the Republic of Kazakhstan has been designated as the organization representing Kazakhstan within the programme. Participation opens up additional opportunities for joint research, exchange of scientific and technical data, and broader use of the capabilities of the Tokamak KTM.  

NNC RK representatives also briefed ITER leadership on the development of Controlled Fusion Program of Kazakhstan. Design parameters for the plasma discharge in ohmic mode have been achieved on the Tokamak KTM, and work is underway to commission an additional plasma heating system. Looking ahead, NNC RK plans to implement the IMAS platform to expand capabilities for modeling, experimental data processing, the participation of NNC specialists in international research programs.

The Parties reaffirmed their interest in continuing constructive engagement and exploring new joint projects in which scientific infrastructure of NNC RK and expertise could support the ITER goals and broader international fusion community.

Speaking at the meeting, NNC RK representatives also congratulated ITER leadership on the recent achievements of the project. In July 2026, the sixth and nine sector modules of the tokamak was installed, bringing two-thirds of the ITER vacuum vessel into its design position; the operation was completed nearly six months ahead of schedule.