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Almaty, Kazakhstan – May 25, 2026. In a move that cements a high-level, strategic bridge between two of the world’s major nuclear stakeholders, a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been signed here in Almaty. The agreement establishes a formalized, long-term framework for cooperation in human capacity building within the nuclear sector between the International Institute of Nuclear Energy (I2EN), representing France’s consolidated ministries, research institutions, and industrial sector, and the newly established Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan for Atomic Energy.
Kazakhstan's nuclear path
To appreciate why this partnership carries such strategic weight, one must look at the rapid transformation taking place within Kazakhstan’s energy governance. Following a decisive national referendum in October 2024, in which citizens overwhelmingly supported the introduction of civilian nuclear power, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev issued a direct decree to establish the Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan for Atomic Energy as an independent state body. The newly created Agency is directly subordinate and accountable to the President of the Republic. This structural placement highlights the sheer geopolitical and economic urgency of the country’s nuclear program.
Kazakhstan is already a global leader in natural uranium extraction. However, its upcoming transition involves a more ambitious vision: mastering the full technological cycle to generate clean, sovereign baseload electricity, ultimately forming a full-fledged nuclear infrastructure. To realize a nuclear power program of this magnitude, the country requires a rapid evolution of its human infrastructure.
In the nuclear industry, a world-class physical asset is completely dependent on the people who operate it. Skilled workforce and expertise at all levels is the foundational guarantee of long-term safety, regulatory rigor, and operational excellence. By interfacing with I2EN, the Kazakh Agency is collaborating with the primary gateway to the French nuclear ecosystem, a nation that has proven to safely master the entire nuclear value chain, 57 reactors today, for more than 50 years.
Inside the partnership: leadership
The engineering of this alliance reflects a deep awareness that international agreements are only as robust as the scientific and operational culture they generate. Speaking at the formalization ceremony, Deputy Chairman Timur Zhantikin put the partnership into immediate perspective for Kazakhstan’s regulatory and operational landscape:“Nuclear energy is the definitive cornerstone of Kazakhstan’s future energetic sovereignty”, he said, “and technology alone is insufficient. By partnering with I2EN and its network, we are ensuring that the deployment of our nuclear power program is engineered alongside the highest global standards of human expertise and safety. This MOU gives our engineers and researchers direct access to decades of invaluable French operational culture .”
The Director General of the Institute of Nuclear Physics, Prof. Sayabek Sakhiyevalso emphasized the key role of human capacity building in advancing the national nuclear program: “Today, the Institute of Nuclear Physics is positioned as Kazakhstan’s primary platform for human capacity building in the field of nuclear energy – from scientific research and hands-on training to fostering a strong culture of nuclear safety. The Institute operates two research reactors, which serve as a unique practical foundation for training degree-qualified personnel for nuclear power plants, enabling specialists to gain hands-on experience with real nuclear facilities and develop competencies aligned with international standards. International cooperation, including with our French partners, enables us to integrate the best educational and technological practices to ensure that future specialists are fully prepared to meet the challenges of building a comprehensive national nuclear infrastructure. “
From the French perspective, this collaboration extends beyond traditional diplomatic outreach. It represents a concrete contribution to the global nuclear renaissance, a movement that is essential for decarbonization, energy security, and technological sovereignty, with mutual benefits and shared responsibilities. “A successful nuclear program depends above all on human capacity building. In nuclear energy, expertise is not just decoration: it is the essence of long-term success.” emphasized Dr. Jan van der Lee, Executive Director of I2EN. “Kazakhstan is a long-standing peer in the global nuclear arena. Strengthening nuclear knowledge here strengthens the entire international community of nations committed to a low-carbon future. An MOU is a fine framework, but it is the people – the students, engineers, and experts – who will bring it to life. The nuclear renaissance will not be delivered to us; it will be built by us, through our shared skills, integrity, and hard work .”
Rolling up the sleeves
With the signing protocols completed and contact persons being designated to define the upcoming annual work plans, the framework is set. The joint activities will support non-binding forms of cooperation including fundamental and applied research through educational programs, the secure exchange of scientific and technical knowledge and data, and the orchestration of educational expeditions. For both France and Kazakhstan, the message coming out of Almaty is explicit: the most valuable asset of the modern nuclear industry is neither the reactors nor the fuel. It is the human capital.