The roundtable brought together representatives from countries with the most advanced nuclear power industries, as well as reactor technology developers and suppliers.
Leaders from the Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan for Atomic Energy; the China Institute of Atomic Energy; Rosatom State Corporation (Russia); the Japan Atomic Energy Agency; the Idaho National Laboratory (USA); the Commission for Atomic and Alternative Energies (France) presented their strategic vision for nuclear power development, evolutionary advances in closing the nuclear fuel cycle, and promising projects in new nuclear power technologies.
Opening remarks were delivered by Gadlet Batyrbekov, Director General of the National Nuclear Centre of the Republic of Kazakhstan: "Over the years, our conference has become a traditional platform for discussing pressing issues in the development of nuclear science and technologies, for sharing experiences and research results among leading scientists and international experts. The Semipalatinsk test site holds a special place in the history of Kazakhstan and the global community. For decades, nuclear tests were conducted here, which, on one hand, played a role in maintaining the global balance of power and contributed to preserving peace, and on the other hand, created significant environmental and health problems for the local population. The conference programme places particular emphasis on the roundtable "Modern Nuclear Power: Technologies, Safety, Partnership", which allows us to discuss contemporary challenges and prospects for industrial development in the context of ensuring global energy security."
Vasily Konstantinov, Director for International Scientific and Technical Projects at Rosatom State Corporation and General Director of Consortium Leader MBIR Reactor International Research Centre LLC, delivered a report on the capabilities of the multipurpose fast neutron reactor MBIR for testing innovative materials of Generation IV systems. The report outlined the progress of the MBIR project and its future applications. It also highlighted the benefits of joining the IRC MBIR Consortium to further cooperation with countries of the Eurasian Economic Union and the wider world.
The roundtable participants underscored the pivotal role of nuclear power in sustainable development strategies and achieving global climate goals. Special attention was given to safety, environmental friendliness, efficiency of advanced reactor technologies, as well as accelerating the adoption of innovations: the development of new generation reactors, closed nuclear fuel cycles, small modular reactor technologies.
The participants stressed the importance of strengthening international cooperation and sharing experience and knowledge to implement best solutions and drive innovation in the sector.
The roundtable served as a foundation for developing new joint initiatives and continuing professional dialogue.
For reference:
MBIR is a multi-purpose fast neutron research reactor with sodium coolant and a thermal capacity of approximately 150 MW. The reactor is being built in the city of Dimitrovgrad at the site of JSC "SSC RIAR" (part of the scientific division of Rosatom State Corporation). In December 2024, the installation of technological equipment for the primary heat removal circuit and transport-technological systems of the research reactor began. The reactor is scheduled to be commissioned in 2028. It is expected that the unique capabilities of the new reactor will expand the study of technologies for two-component nuclear energy and closed fuel cycles, and will also help accelerate and justify the creation of safe fourth-generation nuclear power plants.