France confirms interest in cooperation with Kazakhstan on nuclear energy projects

ASTANA. Feb 17 (Interfax) - France is interested in collaborating with Kazakhstan on joint nuclear energy projects, the press service of the Kazakh Atomic Energy Agency reported on Tuesday following a meeting between the head of the agency, Almasadam Satkaliyev, and French Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Sylvain Guiguet.

The parties discussed the current state and prospects of bilateral cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy, the development of nuclear science and technology, and the exchange of experience in nuclear and radiation safety, during the talks, according to the press service.

"Sylvain Guiguet confirmed France's interest in bolstering cooperation with Kazakhstan, including implementing joint projects in nuclear energy, scientific research, personnel training, and implementing advanced technological solutions," according to the statement.

The parties expressed their readiness to further expand mutually beneficial cooperation, bolster institutional dialogue, and implement joint initiatives aimed at developing peaceful nuclear energy and strengthening international partnerships following the meeting.

As reported, several nuclear power plants are planned to participate in the construction in Kazakhstan. Rosatom state nuclear energy corporation is set to construct the first one, with construction expected to require 11 years and could be completed in 2035-2036. The shortlist of bidders included Russia's Rosatom, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, China's China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), and France's Electricite de France (EDF).

The Kazakh government in February decided to build a second NPP. The country's authorities had previously said that CNNC could build the second and third nuclear power plants.