A solemn ceremony of acceptance of nuclear fuel – fuel assemblies (FAs) manufactured at the joint Kazakh-Chinese enterprise Ulba-FA LLP in Ust-Kamenogorsk took place at the site of the nuclear power plant in Fanchengan. The event was attended by representatives of NAC Kazatomprom JSC (Kazatomprom or Company), Ulba Metallurgical Plant JSC (UMP), Ulba-FA LLP, China General Nuclear Power Group (CGN) and CGNPC Uranium Resources Company Limited (CGNPC-URC).

The plant delivered another batch of FAs containing more than 30 tons of low-enriched uranium. The high-tech finished products successfully passed quality control and were accepted by the client. Fuel pellets made at the UMP from Kazakhstani uranium raw materials are used in the production of fuel assemblies. After the planned loading of the reactor with fuel, the generation and supply of electricity to Chinese consumers will begin. The breakthrough project became real thanks to the joint work with CGN and gave a new impetus to the further development of bilateral relations.

"Our countries have many years of experience in cooperation in the nuclear industry. Kazatomprom and CGN are strategic partners with a wide range of interactions. We have implemented a number of successful projects for uranium mining, production of fuel pellets and fuel assemblies. We are proud that Kazakhstan's nuclear fuel will meet the needs of China's nuclear power industry, contributing to mitigating the effects of global climate change and achieving the global goal of low-carbon development. Thanks to our cooperation, Kazatomprom acquires new experience and becomes a supplier of an integrated package of services – from the production of natural uranium oxide to the production and sale of the final products of the pre-reactor nuclear fuel cycle in the form of FAs," said Yerzhan Mukanov, CEO of Kazatomprom.

"Today is a significant historical event for Kazatomprom and CGN Corporation. We are pleased to note the increasing dynamics of cooperation between our companies in the field of the nuclear fuel cycle. All our achievements are the result of the fruitful work of the Kazakh-Chinese team. I am confident that we will continue to strengthen and expand all areas of mutually beneficial partnership. We thank all our colleagues who have made a significant contribution to the successful implementation of this project,” said Dosbolat Sarymsakov, Chief NFC Officer of Kazatomprom at the ceremony.

In 2024, Ulba-FA plans to increase production volumes to reach full production capacity, which is 200 tons of uranium in the form of FAs per year. The plant has a guaranteed sales market for 20 years ahead. The launch of the innovative enterprise allowed Kazakhstan to enter a limited circle of states-producers and suppliers of nuclear fuel for nuclear power plants.

As previously reported, the first batch of fuel assemblies from the Ulba-FA LLP plant to the nuclear power plant in China was delivered in December last year. Several more batches of nuclear fuel from Kazakhstan to China are expected to be delivered by the end of this year.

"Today we accept the second delivery of fuel assemblies from the Kazakhstan plant to China according to the delivery schedule and in accordance with the requirements for product quality. China is dynamically developing the nuclear industry and increasing the share of nuclear energy in its energy balance. We give a great value to nuclear safety and, accordingly, to the quality of FAs supplied to nuclear power plants, therefore we are especially pleased with the successful acceptance of the next batch of FAs produced in Kazakhstan. With the plant reaching production capacity, Ulba-FA LLP will take its significant role in providing fuel to our power plants. We are convinced that through the efforts of our companies, the work on further deepening and expanding cooperation between our countries will continue," noted An Junjing, Chair of the Board of Directors of CGNPC-URC in his speech.

During the working visit, the Kazakh delegation got acquainted with the work of the Center for Advanced Fuel and Nuclear Power Plants in Yangjiang. Negotiations were held between Dosbolat Sarymsakov, Chief NFC Officer of Kazatomprom, and An Junjin, Chair of the Board of Directors of CGNPC-URC. The parties discussed topical issues of bilateral cooperation, including further plans for the plant to reach its design capacity. Following the meeting, the participants agreed to actively use the potential of the two countries for further development and strengthening of strategic partnership in the field of peaceful use of nuclear energy.

For information: JSC NAC Kazatomprom is the national operator of the Republic of Kazakhstan for the import and export of uranium, rare metals, nuclear fuel for nuclear power plants. Since 2009, Kazakhstan has been a world leader in the extraction of natural uranium.

The assets of the national nuclear company include the entire complex of enterprises involved in the chain of production of final products — from geological exploration, uranium mining, and production of nuclear fuel cycle products to science, social security and personnel training.

Samruk-Kazyna SWF JSC owns 75% of the total number of outstanding shares of JSC NAC Kazatomprom. The company is a member company of the Group of Portfolio Companies of the Fund.