Opportunity for Groundbreaking Technological Advancements in the Realm of Nuclear Energy Industry

New and Improved Article:

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's recent speech at a scientific gathering highlighted the crucial role of science in advancing Kazakhstan's nuclear industry. He emphasized the need for unification among scientists to foster high scientific competence and expertise, setting off a domino effect for the expansion of various science branches - fundamental and applied alike.

Kanat Baigarin.

For years, there's been a pressing need for Kazakhstan to step away from raw material reliance and move towards a higher echelon of production. The decision to establish a nuclear power plant and invest in nuclear energy is a concrete step towards creating a high-tech, knowledge-intensive industry within the country. This leap will also serving as a robust catalyst for the development of advanced science and engineering.

Throughout history, nations that now dominate this field - the United States, Russia, European countries, China, and Korea - have followed this trajectory. It's worth noting that other countries have faced external challenges after erecting nuclear power plants to ensure their plant's stable operation.

Kazakhstan has witnessed both the perks and drawbacks of nuclear energy, thanks to its unique history. The country has built infrastructure and acquired technological expertise related to the nuclear sector, such as the National Nuclear Center in Kurchatov, the Mangystau Nuclear Power Plant Complex (MAEK) in Aktau, and the Institute of Nuclear Physics. However, it's essential to admit that the scientific foundation for the nuclear industry was laid primarily outside Kazakhstan.

Fundamental and applied research in nuclear physics, high-energy physics, astrophysics, and mathematics, including computational and applied mathematics, were mainly addressed elsewhere. Today, cutting-edge research in these areas relies heavily on tools based on the most up-to-date achievements in mathematics and computer science, including artificial intelligence, big data processing, and machine learning.

A strong, homegrown base of scientific and technical expertise is vital for developing a nuclear power plant's scientific and engineering infrastructure and human capital. Kazakhstan must maintain a steady level of basic and fundamental scientific research to ensure a well-qualified workforce and the ability to evaluate the technologies integrated into the economy.

Nuclear power plants generate energy with minimal carbon dioxide emissions. The global community acknowledges that, at this juncture, nuclear energy is indispensable for ensuring the sustainable development of humanity. When selecting a technology provider for a nuclear power plant, it's crucial not to focus exclusively on marketing materials or pricing. Instead, we must consider our preparedness to adopt these technologies, given our scientific, technical, and human potential - and prepare accordingly for their day-to-day utilization.

The presence of this type of energy in the country's energy mix also raises questions concerning culture, safety, and geopolitics. For example, we all make use of mobile phones, refrigerators, and televisions daily. While we know how to turn them on and off, only a select few can actually fix them. Similarly, with the global market of countries developing and manufacturing nuclear power plants, Kazakhstan might not need to compete in reactor design. However, having a deep, expert-level understanding and the ability to monitor and control their safety is non-negotiable.

We, however, cannot afford to be mere users at the level of the average smartphone operator in the nuclear energy sphere. Kazakhstan still has time to properly prepare for the implementation of the decision to build a nuclear power plant: to strengthen our national expertise, train qualified personnel, and establish scientific schools.

A nuclear power plant is not merely a nuclear boiler operated by trained professionals - it is also an automated control system featuring elements of artificial intelligence, loaded with powerful mathematical tools. The question is - to what extent are we ready to adapt the control systems, automation, software, and AI components accompanying this complex engineering and technical facility? How can we ensure complete control and oversight of a nuclear power plant to guarantee its safe operation without harming people?

Nuclear energy necessitates a high level of industrial and scientific culture, along with highly skilled personnel. While populists may espouse the potential benefits of applied scientific research and the commercialization of scientific advancements, the absence of a full-fledged advancement in fundamental science may jeopardize the stability of the national economic system.

When the Chernobyl nuclear power plant disaster unfolded, scientists and specialists from various fields, including those engaged in fundamental research, were called upon to help mitigate the aftermath. I myself participated in testing instruments developed by our laboratory team for the remote localization of radioactive emissions at the plant and in the surrounding areas. Interestingly, our field - the application of plasma and powerful particle pulses - had no connection to nuclear science or its technical components. However, our experience in fundamental research allowed us to create instruments for remote visualization of radioactive sources and for measuring high radiation doses at a distance, without direct contact with the sources. This intervention helped save countless lives and preserve the health of disaster responders.

It is precisely this experience that helps me appreciate the significance of fundamental scientific research, particularly in the context of international cooperation in space and nuclear physics - research that offers unconventional, heuristic solutions to complex practical problems.

Only on the foundation of fundamental research - in nuclear science, space research, and materials science - can groundbreaking high-tech innovations emerge, fueling the advancement of industry and the country as a whole.

Kazakhstan must systematically and persistently invest in fundamental science, allocating a portion of the state budget for such research. A true scientist and researcher naturally sparks innovation, fostering international collaboration with the world's brightest minds, and nurturing the next generation of students. While most graduates might not become great scientists, they will evolve into strong professionals with a deep understanding of the physics behind the processes. Some of them may find their calling in applied scientific fields and practical work.

Presently, at our university, we are discussing the formation of a collaborative center that will bring together scientists from various fields to bolster our expertise for a new industry, leveraging fundamental knowledge and applied research in the fields of nuclear and space science and engineering.

The world has undergone another transformation. The era of universal globalization is morphing into a period of rational pragmatism, prioritizing national interests and safeguarding societal stability.

Kanat Baigarin is the Chief Officer for Sustainable Development at Nazarbayev University.

[Enrichment Data]

Kazakhstan's nuclear power advancements are progressing through international collaborations and strategic planning, with a focus on technological integration and safety systems. Here's a snapshot of current initiatives and challenges:

Nuclear Power Plant Development

International consortium: Kazakhstan is negotiating with CNNC (China), Rosatom (Russia), KHNP (South Korea), and EDF (France) to pick a technology partner, emphasizing localization, financial models, and workforce training.
Site selection: The Zhambyl district in Almaty Region has been chosen for the first plant with an estimated eight-year construction timeline. Plans include three plants to address energy deficits from aging thermal infrastructure.
Uranium leverage: Kazatomprom, a major global uranium supplier, recently bolstered European exports (like the Czech Republic deal[4]), enhancing its role in fueling both domestic and international nuclear projects.

Control Systems, Automation, and Software Integration

While specifics on AI integration are not explicitly detailed in available reports, key frameworks are emerging:1. Technology transfer: Partner agreements will dictate the adoption of digital control systems (e.g., South Korea's KHNP or France's EDF models), inherently incorporating automation for reactor monitoring and safety.2. Safety protocols: Modern nuclear plants employ AI-driven predictive maintenance and anomaly detection. Kazakhstan's focus on "technological solutions" in negotiations suggests alignment with these standards.

Challenges

Timeline pressures: Competing energy needs (e.g., Tajik electricity imports at $0.034/kWh[1]) might strain resources, although nuclear energy is prioritized for long-term stability.
Technological localization: Adapting foreign systems to local grids and training personnel to manage advanced automation tools remain critical obstacles.
Regulatory frameworks: Establishing AI governance in nuclear safety requires updates to existing regulations, a common gap in emerging nuclear states.

Nuclear Science Industry Growth

Research infrastructure: The push for a "high-tech, knowledge-intensive industry" aligns with uranium sector modernization (e.g., Kazatomprom's export strategies[4]) and potential R&D partnerships with consortium members.
Workforce development: Training programs are integral to negotiations, ensuring operational competency in automated systems and emergency protocols.

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's focus on fostering high scientific competence and expertise in Kazakhstan's nuclear industry underlines the need for collaboration among scientists, which could drive growth in various science branches, both fundamental and applied.
Front-runner nations in the field of nuclear energy, such as the United States, Russia, European countries, China, and Korea, have followed a similar trajectory, moving from raw material dependence to establishing high-tech, knowledge-intensive industries.
As Kazakhstan prepares to establish a nuclear power plant and invest in nuclear energy, it should strive to build a strong scientific and technical expertise base to support the development of its nuclear power plant's scientific and engineering infrastructure and human capital.
Adequate funding for fundamental science research is essential to ensure a well-qualified workforce and the ability to evaluate technologies integrated into the economy, ultimately preparing for the safe utilization of nuclear power plants.
The presence of a nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan's energy mix necessitates a high level of industrial and scientific culture, along with highly skilled personnel, to ensure complete control and oversight of these complex facilities.
By investing in fundamental science, allocating a portion of the state budget for research, and nurturing international collaboration with top minds in nuclear science, Kazakhstan can fuel innovative breakthroughs in the industry and propel itself forward in the rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape of space and astronomy, technology, education, and self-development.