Rosatom’s Fuel Division, TVEL and Kazakhstan’s National Nuclear Centre (NNC) have signed a memorandum of intent for scientific, technical and commercial cooperation in the field of radioactive waste management and decommissioning of nuclear and radiation hazardous facilities.
Russian specialists will assist in the development of Kazakhstan’s national strategy for the management of radioactive waste, as well as in the training of specialists in the field of radioactive waste management. The memorandum also covers the exchange of best technical and scientific practices for the reclamation of radiation-contaminated areas and the decommissioning of nuclear energy facilities and the management of radioactive waste, including disposal.
“Creating a state system for handling radioactive waste is a complex but extremely important task,” said Vasily Tinin, Rosatom’s Director of State Policy in the Field of Radioactive Waste, Used Nuclear Fuel and Decommissioning of Nuclear and Radiation Hazardous Facilities. “To do this, it is necessary to carry out serious work to bring the regulatory framework into compliance with international norms and rules, determine the objects and subjects of the system, the principles and conditions of their interaction, determine the responsibility of operating organisations and the state, and develop sustainable financial mechanisms for its effective operation. Rosatom is ready to provide full assistance in the development of a national strategy for the management of radioactive waste in the Republic of Kazakhstan.”
Rosatom already has similar successful experience in cooperation with the Republic of Belarus. Based on Russia’s National Operator for Radioactive Waste Management, the Belarusian organisation BelRAO was created. Currently, Rosatom and BelRAO are cooperating in the creation and development of infrastructure for the final isolation of radioactive waste, as well as in training personnel for the operation of a near-surface radioactive waste disposal site.
