IAEA team of experts has started an Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) mission to Kazakhstan. The mission will last eight days and it will evaluate the status of major infrastructure issues of the Agency's Milestones Approach. These issues include legal and regulatory frameworks, nuclear safety and security, radioactive waste management, human resource development, stakeholder involvement, the capacity of the electrical grid and several others. The evaluation of its infrastructure status will help Kazakhstan in making a knowledgeable decision on whether to embark on a nuclear power programme.
“30 countries are currently operating nuclear power plants and about the same number of countries are considering or have started nuclear power programmes”, said Dohee Hahn, Director of the IAEA's Division of Nuclear Power, at the official opening of the INIR Mission. “The reasons for introducing nuclear include increasing electricity demands, the need for energy security and concerns over climate change.”
Today, more than 70% of Kazakhstan’s energy supply comes from burning coal. That, coupled with the fact that Kazakhstan already has experience in operating a fast breeder reactor and that it is also world’s leading uranium producer, gives ground for considering nuclear as one of the options. The Government is considering the nuclear power option in the long term.
The IAEA does not influence countries' decisions as to whether to introduce nuclear power. However, if they do decide to embark on a nuclear power programme, the IAEA helps them do it in a safe, secure and sustainable manner.
The mission in Kazakhstan is the 21st IAEA INIR mission since their launch in 2009, following 16 full and 4 follow-up missions conducted in 14 countries.
Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review
Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review missions enable IAEA Member State representatives to have in-depth discussions with international experts about experiences and best practices in developing nuclear power infrastructure. In developing its recommendations, the INIR Mission Team takes into account the comments made by the relevant national organizations. Implementation of any of the team's recommendations is at the discretion of the Member State requesting the mission. The results of the INIR mission are expected to help the Member State to develop an action plan to fill any gaps, which in turn will help complete the development of the national nuclear infrastructure.