NPP CONSTRUCTION DISCUSSED AT THE UNIVERSITY

On 6 October, Kazakhstan will hold a referendum on the construction of a nuclear power plant. A public discussion of this issue was held at the S. Amanzholov University. Experts were the head of the scientific centre of JSC ‘UMP’, Doctor of Physics and Mathematics, Professor Manarbek Kylyshkanov and leading researcher of the School of Architecture, Construction and Energy of Serikbayev University Aizhan Baidildina. The event was attended by the rector of the university Mukhtar Tolegen, vice-rectors, scientists, faculty and students.

According to the speakers, the Government of the country has several justified reasons for the construction of NPP. The strongest argument is the huge reserves of uranium – 1.4 million tonnes, and it is a mandatory component for nuclear fuel.

-Our country should use Kazakhstan’s resources for its needs. We have well mastered the production of uranium tablets. This will allow us to be more self-sufficient,’ explained Manarbek Kylyshkanov.

The second argument is safety for human health and the environment. Modern reactors are built with past experience in mind and have the latest protection systems. According to Aizhan Baidildina, radioactive substances generated by the NPP will be carefully controlled.

One should n

ot forget about the favourable impact on the environment. The nuclear power plant will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by reducing the use of traditional energy sources – oil and coal.

In addition, the impact on the country’s talent pool was told by the rector of EKU Mukhtar Tolegen.

– Training specialists for the nuclear industry is an important priority for the development of the whole country. Understanding the urgency of this issue, our university has been implementing educational programmes ‘Physics’, ‘Nuclear Physics and Nuclear Power Engineering’, ‘Applied Physics, Nanomaterials and Innovation’ for several years. We regularly co-operate with NNC RK, where our scientists and students carry out research activities. NPP construction is new jobs, a platform for possible scientific breakthroughs, – said the head of the alma mater.

It should be noted that at the end of the meeting a dialogue platform was held. Students of the specialities asked questions they were interested in. According to them, the organised event became a source of reliable and expert information.