30th Anniversary of the National Nuclear Center of the Republic of Kazakhstan!

On May 15, the RK National Nuclear Center is marking its 30th anniversary. The enterprise today demonstrates its absolute consistency and competitiveness in international market of scientific research, having passed the successful development path, integrating several scientific institutes. Dozens of unique projects were implemented by joint efforts, experimental capability extended and upgraded, and new generation of scientists and engineers was trained. The enterprise’s great achievements are factual.

Today, over the thirty years, I can proudly state the NNC has successfully carried out its mission entrusted by the Government at the initial stage of the Center establishment.

First, nuclear testing infrastructure has been brought to a condition preventing any possibility to use it for intended purpose. In particular, 181 tunnels were eliminated at Degelen Mountain Massif, as well as 13 unused boreholes and 12 silo launchers at Balapan site.

There was much concern about the nuclear testing infrastructure elimination at that time. For the period of seven years, a number of large-scale projects have been implemented at the three sites resulting in partial rehabilitation of the contaminated area and excluded access to the residues of nuclear activity.

In 2020, we completed one of the largest projects – to ensure security at the Experimental Field site.

​We have created a sustainable security monitoring system. Modern three-level physical protection system was installed at every STS site, ensuring reliable guard.

Second, in accordance with the Government assigned mission, we have successfully accomplished conversion of the former STS military and industrial complex. Following thirty years after STS closure we have managed not only to keep and upgrade, but also significantly extend the unique scientific and technological capability left by USSR MIC. The capability nowadays is only used for peaceful purposes. In particular, we have constructed Kazakhstan material testing tokamak KTM for applied and fundamental research in controlled thermonuclear fusion.

​The above-mentioned efforts along with scientific research results contributed to Kazakhstan recognition in global community. These include nuclear power-related projects in cooperation with leading nuclear power organizations from across the globe: Japan, USA, Russia, France, etc.

Third, we have completed integrated environmental survey of the whole test site area in 2021, by the 30th anniversary of the test site closure. This has been made possible mainly due to availability of the most up-to-date equipment and methodology in the National Nuclear Center used for comprehensive environmental research. This would be the best laboratory-analytical facility established at CIS designed for qualitative and quantitative analysis of radionuclides in environmental samples.

Fourth, we have established the infrastructure for Kazakhstani seismic and infrasound monitoring system, and ensured its sustainable functioning. The performance of Kazakhstani stations being the part of International Monitoring System was highly appraised by CTBTO – Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty Organization. Kazakhstan is the first among developing states to chair the Working Group B to the CTBTO Preparatory Commission due to the high opinion of international community for the state activity to support CTBT.

Fifth, we have ensured human resources development, established conditions for training highly skilled specialists in nuclear power. There are education programs being realized jointly with educational institutions from neighboring countries and beyond, as well as dissertation council for PhD examination under the supervision and participation of scientists. Besides, NNC RK leading scientists are engaged in State Attestation Commission in examination and defense of graduation thesis for basic specialties, Director General’s scholarship is provided to young specialists. The essential element in human resource development was annual R&D conference-competition for young specialists and scientists, attended by almost 1000 participants.

The present-day achievements of the Center set the background for the future. Through the years, we worked long hours, establishing necessary capability, gaining experience, occupying our niche in international peaceful nuclear power activities. The trust from our partners, which had been built up and affirmed by successful projects implemented, is the keystone to our future success.

This to a large extent was possible thank to the National Nuclear Center’s professionals team. I would like to express my appreciation for the excellent work!

Please, accept my congratulations on the achievements, I wish you good health, further success and prosperity to our native NNC!

Erlan Batyrbekov, Director General