If we want to look to the future, nuclear energy has no competitors

On October 4, 2024, Round table on "The use of peaceful atom in energy, medicine and research" topic was held at K. Satbayev Kazakh National Research Technical University. The event was organized by University together with Energy Ministry of the Republic of Kazakhstan and brought together leading experts in the field of energy and atomic physicists to discuss nuclear energy issues, including Nikolai Chuchvaga, deputy director for Science at Institute of Physics and Technology, and Igor Lebedev, Laboratory head of Nuclear Physics and Radiation Ecology at Physics and Technology Institute.

Round table was opened by Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs Raissa Uskenbayeva, who stressed the importance of peaceful atom for all industries:

- The use of peaceful atom in whatever industry it would be, in energy, in medicine, in our everyday life, is of great importance, - she said in her speech, stressing that the opinion professionals in the energy sector are of great importance for forming the solution that will determine the future of the whole of Kazakhstan.

The participants discussed in detail all the pros and cons of nuclear energy, noting that in the modern world there is a place for all types of energy that are suitable for solving the problems, but in the matter of providing an affordable and permanent source of energy for developing the industry, peaceful atom has no competitors.

Director of Energy and Mechanical Engineering Institute Kassym Yelemessov noted that the issue of personnel training for the nuclear sector is relevant:

"It's impossible to build a nuclear power plant instantly," he said. - According to experts, this will take 16-20 years, and during this time we must prepare young people who will work in this field, trust them and move them forward.

The issue of nuclear energy development in Kazakhstan is a matter of building a successful and independent future.

Special attention was paid to the use of atomic energy in medicine and industry. Experts spoke about safe methods of radioactive waste management and prospects for evolving the nuclear energy in a global context. Nuclear power is one of the key components of the future energy system, which will be able to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, ensure the transition to low-carbon energy sources and reduce electricity shortages.

Round table moderator was General Physics Department’s head Aidos Lesbayev.