The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) delivered?the final report of a mission that reviewed Kazakhstan’s infrastructure development for a nuclear power programme.

The Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) mission took place on November 2016 at the invitation of the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan. It reviewed the status of development of the 19 infrastructure issues using the Phase 1 criteria of the?IAEA's Milestones Approach.

IAEA Deputy Director General and Head of the Department of Nuclear Energy, Mikhail Chudakov, handed over the mission report yesterday to Kazakhstan’s Minister of Energy, Kanat Bozumbayev. “Nuclear power is a complex undertaking that requires effective cooperation,” said Chudakov. “We encourage Kazakhstan to use this INIR Mission Report and the Integrated Work Plan meeting in April to optimize the Agency`s support and cooperation.”

The INIR team found that Kazakhstan has developed a considerable base of knowledge and experience in nuclear activities. It also encouraged the government to finalize a national action plan to ensure that necessary financial and human resources can advance the nuclear infrastructure of the country to Milestone 2.

“Kazakhstan has not yet taken a decision on the introduction of nuclear power,” said Minister Bozumbayev during the handover ceremony. “Committed to non-proliferation and further developing capabilities in a number of areas such as nuclear medicine, isotopes production and uranium mining, Kazakhstan highly values its cooperation with the IAEA and the work done by the INIR mission.”

To assist Kazakhstan in making further progress in its infrastructure development, the INIR team has made recommendations and identified good practices that may benefit other countries considering the introduction of nuclear power.

About INIR Missions:

Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review missions enable IAEA Member State representatives to have in-depth discussions with international experts about conditions and best international practices in development of nuclear power programme. In developing its recommendations, the INIR 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 assist the Member State to develop an action plan to fill any gaps, which in turn will help the development of the national nuclear infrastructure.