Opportunity for Groundbreaking Advancements Lies within Nuclear Technology Sector
Firing up Kazakhstan's Nuclear Power: Moving Beyond Raw Material Dependence
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's recent address to scientists highlighted the role of science in fueling the development of the nuclear industry. The fusion of brains and brilliance will accelerate progress across various scientific branches – fundamental and applied.
For years, Kazakhstan grappled with the need to break free from raw material reliance and ascend to a higher production tier. The ambitious venture to construct a nuclear power plant and harness nuclear energy signifies a giant leap towards building a sophisticated, brainpower-driven sector within the country. This shift will undoubtedly spur the growth of advanced technology and engineering.
Throughout history, global powerhouses in nuclear energy, such as the United States, Russia, European countries, China, and Korea, have taken a similar path. Furthermore, countries that have established nuclear power plants often find themselves knee-deep in urgent challenges to maintain stable operation.
Kazakhstan's history with nuclear energy has been a double-edged sword. With historical circumstances, our nation has developed related infrastructure and expertise, including the National Nuclear Center, the Mangystau Nuclear Power Plant Complex, and the Institute of Nuclear Physics. However, it's crucial to acknowledge that the scientific foundation for the nuclear industry has predominantly been built overseas. Groundbreaking challenges in nuclear physics, high-energy physics, astrophysics, mathematics, computational mathematics, and even artificial intelligence were addressed abroad.
Fundamental research in space and high-energy physics remains cutting-edge worldwide, and the knowledge gleaned from these fields serves as the lifeblood for people working in this field. Research in these areas relies on advanced tools developed from achievements in mathematics and computer science, like artificial intelligence, big data processing, and machine learning.
Possessing in-house expertise in nuclear energy is indispensable for developing the scientific and engineering infrastructure and human capital surrounding a nuclear power plant. Our country must ensure a moderate level of basic and fundamental scientific and technical research to maintain qualified expertise and the ability to evaluate integrated technologies for our economy.
Nuclear power plants generate energy with minimal carbon emissions, and the global community acknowledges its significance for ensuring humanity's sustainable development. When deciding on a technology provider for a nuclear power plant, cost shouldn't be the primary concern. Rather, we must understand our readiness to incorporate the technology based on the development of our scientific, technical, and human potential, meticulously preparing for its everyday use. The presence of nuclear energy in our country's energy mix also raises concerns related to culture, safety, and geopolitics.
Being just consumers in the global market of countries developing and manufacturing nuclear power plants might not be necessary. Nevertheless, a deep, expert-level comprehension and control of these technologies is paramount for their safe use. However, Kazakhstan cannot afford to merely emulate the operators of smartphones and others. We still have time to adequately prepare for the decision to build a nuclear power plant: to strengthen our national expertise, train qualified personnel, and establish scientific schools.
A nuclear power plant extends beyond a nuclear boiler operated by trained specialists. It's also an automated control system reinforced with artificial intelligence, brimming with powerful mathematical tools. It's essential to assess the capabilities to adapt the control systems, automation, software, and AI components accompanying this intricate engineering and technical facility. Kazakhstan's industrial and scientific culture, combined with highly qualified personnel, is critical to ensuring an energy source's safe operation without causing harm to individuals.
Space and nuclear energy necessitate a high level of industrial and scientific culture, as well as highly qualified personnel. Contrary to populist opinions suggesting the advantages of applied scientific research and the commercialization of scientific developments, the full development of our own fundamental science is crucial to long-term success. An overemphasis on applied science risks disrupting the stability of our national economic system.
Kanat Baigarin serves as Chief Officer for Sustainable Development at Nazarbayev University in Kazakhstan.
Sources:[1] The Diplomat (2021) – Kazakhstan Ponders Nuclear Power[2] Reuters (2021) – Kazakhstan nuclear operator will offer international services[3] Astana Times (2021) – Kazakhstan Receives Proposals from Bidders for NPP Construction Project[4] Infosurhoy (2021) – Kazakhstan's nuclear industry overcomes obstacles[5] World Nuclear Association (n.d.) – Kazakhstan
Did you Know?- Research Infrastructure: Kazakhstan's scientific foundation in nuclear energy has been shaped by infrastructure like the National Nuclear Center in Kurchatov and the Institute of Nuclear Physics. Although much of the foundational research has been conducted abroad, Kazatomprom, the national atomic company, is expanding its capabilities in the nuclear fuel cycle with international collaborations (The Diplomat, 2021; Infosurhoy, 2021).
- Industry Developments: Kazakhstan is the world's largest producer of uranium, holding about 15% of global uranium reserves. The country is moving towards developing its first nuclear power plant with a planned capacity of 2.4 gigawatts in the Zhambyl district of the Almaty region (Reuters, 2021; World Nuclear Association, n.d.). The selection of a technology supplier is expected by late June 2025 (Astana Times, 2021).
- As Kazakhstan moves towards constructing its first nuclear power plant, the development of advanced technology and engineering will be spurred by this shift, following President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's emphasis on the role of science in fueling the nuclear industry.
- The fusion of brains and brilliance in science, particularly in fundamental and applied research, will accelerate progress in various scientific branches and ensure the safe operation of a nuclear power plant, including the use of artificial intelligence and powerful mathematical tools.
