Seeking Expert Personnel for AES Project in Kazakhstan
Bringing Nuclear Power to Kazakhstan
The race is on to prepare skilled professionals for Kazakhstan's budding nuclear energy sector. Here's the lowdown on where the action's at:
Training grounds for these future nuclear experts? You'll find them at:
- D. Serikbayev East Kazakhstan Technical University
- L.N. Gumilev Eurasian National University
- al-Farabi Kazakh National University
- G. Daukeev Almaty University of Power Engineering and Communications
- S. Amanzholov East Kazakhstan University
- Shakarim State University
With a focus on nuclear-related education, these universities will also team up with leading foreign institutions specializing in nuclear technologies[1].
Shift into higher gears: Kazakhstan will also implement several specialized programs offering degrees in nuclear physics, nuclear engineering, theoretical nuclear physics, and more[1]. The government has earmarked over 5,000 grants for students embarking on these programs[1].
Burgeoning nuclear energy demands a steady stream of talent. With approximately 250 students enrolled in these specialties during the 2023/2024 academic year, and a total of over 1,600 graduates from 2011 to 2023, the nation is making strides to bridge the skills gap[1].
Kazakhstani research institutions like the National Nuclear Center and the Institute of Nuclear Physics are also key to developing and nurturing a robust, knowledgeable workforce[1]. A whopping 5,000 specialists associated with nuclear energy have been trained at three training centers[1].
The village of Ulken, once a potential site for the NPP, is nestled in the Zhambylsky District, now home to the approved NPP construction site[2]. Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov inked the relevant decree, setting the stage for the NPP's construction in February 2025[2].
Managing expectations: In his instructions to the government and "Samruk-Kazyna", President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized the need for a clear, comprehensive vision and meticulous site selection for future nuclear power stations, along with modern, safe technology[2]. The government is anticipated to submit proposals for the location of the second nuclear power station, though the possibility of simultaneous construction remains open[2].
It's all coming together: Timur Zhanitkin, General Director of "Kazakhstan Atomic Electric Power Stations," shared updates on the project's progress[2]. The construction timeline, previously estimated at up to 12 years, is now in motion[2].
After all the pomp and promises, though, how does the ground reality stack up? Here's what some netizens had to say:
- Kurt: "Let them train Kazakhs! No need to have only expats in charge like in TSHO. And they earn twice as much as our workers!"
- Pioneer: "They will either bring in foreign ones or hand it over to foreign management... Our officials can't do anything but hand things over or hire..."
- Texas: "In 10 years of construction, you can prepare specialists for 10 NPPs."
- Texas, replying to GOR: "GOR, we don't have any specialists in any field - the old, old, and familiar story..."
- Bakhitjan: "WE NEED TO TRAIN OUR OWN SPECIALISTS, ENGINEERS AND PHYSICISTS IN NUCLEAR ENERGY, MAYBE WE CAN PUT SCIENCE ON ITS FEET."
Sources:
[1] "Kazakhstan trains specialists in nuclear power, collaboration with foreign universities." (Link not provided)
[2] "Construction of NPP in Kazakhstan begins — all sites under review, and why others are unsuitable." (Link not provided)
- Despite the growing focus on nuclear energy, it's clear that some netizens are advocating for more locally trained specialists in the field, as expressed by Kurt, who suggests that there's no need for primarily expats in charge.
- In response to the need for skilled professionals in nuclear energy, Bakhitjan emphasizes the importance of training Kazakhstani engineers, physicists, and specialists in this sector, hoping to boost the nation's nuclear power capabilities.
