Samruk-Kazyna JSC and the French Orano discussed the development of the nuclear industry in Kazakhstan. The meeting of the management of the companies was held today in Nur-Sultan.

The central topic of the talks was the work of the joint Kazakh-French enterprise KATKO, which produces uranium in the south of Kazakhstan. The need to introduce greater digitalization and simplify the decision-making process was noted. For the operation of industrial facilities, KATKO Orano proposes to build a solar power plant with a capacity of 12 MW in the region, equipped with the energy storage system, which fully meets the plans of Samruk-Kazyna JSC for the transition to low-carbon development.

In addition, the parties discussed the prospects for implementation of the sulfuric acid production project, as well as the possibility of joint investment in foreign Orano projects.

The French side also showed great interest in the plans to build a nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan as a source of clean energy. 
“Now this initiative is worked out, the final decision will still be made. In any case, we must diversify energy sources and build a balanced energy balance, i.e. develop not only nuclear, but also gas, as well as renewable generation,” said Almassadam Satkaliyev, the CEO of Samruk-Kazyna JSC.

Information:

Orano (formerly Areva) is a French multinational corporation, one of the world leaders in the production of nuclear fuel. 
JV KATKO LLP is a joint venture of JSC NAC Kazatomprom (a member company of Samruk-Kazyna JSC) and ORANO Mining JSC. KATKO produces uranium at the Moinkum deposit in the Turkestan region. It is one of the largest uranium mining enterprises in the world.