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Almaty, Kazakhstan – May 25, 2026. In a move that strengthens a high-level strategic partnership between two of the world’s leading players in the nuclear sector, a historic memorandum of understanding was signed in Almaty. This agreement establishes a formalized, long-term framework for cooperation on strengthening human resources in the nuclear sector between the International Institute for Nuclear Energy (I2EN), representing French ministries, research organizations, and industry players, and the new Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan for Atomic Energy.
Kazakhstan's Nuclear Path
To understand why this partnership is of such strategic importance, one need only look at the rapid transformation currently underway in Kazakhstan’s energy governance. Following a decisive national referendum held in October 2024, in which citizens overwhelmingly supported the introduction of civilian nuclear energy, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev issued a direct decree establishing the Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan for Atomic Energy as an independent state body. The new Agency reports directly to the President of the Republic and is accountable to him. This structural positioning underscores the considerable geopolitical and economic urgency of the country’s nuclear program.
Kazakhstan is already a world leader in natural uranium mining. However, its upcoming transition is part of a more ambitious vision: to master the entire technological cycle in order to produce clean, domestically controlled baseload electricity and, ultimately, to establish a comprehensive nuclear infrastructure. To successfully carry out a nuclear power program of this scale, the country must rapidly develop its human infrastructure.
In the nuclear industry, a world-class physical asset depends entirely on the people who operate it. A skilled workforce and expertise at all levels are the fundamental guarantee of long-term safety, regulatory rigor, and operational excellence. By collaborating with I2EN, the Kazakh agency is working with the primary gateway to the French nuclear ecosystem—that of a country that has proven its ability to safely manage the entire nuclear value chain, with 57 reactors in operation today, for over 50 years.
At the heart of the partnership: leadership
The structure of this alliance demonstrates that international agreements are only as valuable as the scientific and operational culture they foster. During the ceremony, Vice President Timur Zhantikin highlighted the stakes for Kazakhstan: “ Nuclear energy is the cornerstone of Kazakhstan’s future energy sovereignty. But technology alone is not enough. By partnering with I2EN and its network, we ensure that our nuclear program is implemented according to the highest global standards of human expertise and safety. This memorandum of understanding gives our engineers and researchers direct access to decades of French operational expertise. »
The director general of the Institute of Nuclear Physics, Professor Sayabek Sakhiyev, also emphasized the central role of education: “ Today, the Institute of Nuclear Physics serves as Kazakhstan’s primary platform for developing expertise in the nuclear field, ranging from scientific research to practical training and safety culture. Thanks to its two research reactors, the Institute offers a unique foundation for training qualified specialists capable of gaining hands-on experience at actual nuclear facilities and acquiring skills that meet international standards. International cooperation, particularly with our French partners, allows us to integrate best educational and technological practices in order to fully prepare future specialists for the construction of a comprehensive national nuclear infrastructure. »
From the French perspective, this cooperation goes beyond traditional diplomacy. It is part of the global nuclear renaissance, which is essential for decarbonization, energy security, and technological sovereignty. “ The success of a nuclear program depends above all on human expertise. In the nuclear industry, expertise is not merely a bonus—it is essential to long-term success ” said Jan van der Lee, executive director of I2EN. ” Kazakhstan has long been a key player in the global nuclear sector. Strengthening nuclear expertise here means strengthening the entire international community committed to a low-carbon future. A memorandum of understanding provides a framework, but it is the people—students, engineers, and experts—who will bring it to life. The nuclear renaissance won’t be handed to us: we will build it ourselves, through our shared expertise, integrity, and hard work. »
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With the signing protocols finalized and contact persons currently being designated to define future annual work plans, the framework is now in place. Joint activities will support non-binding forms of cooperation, including basic and applied research through educational programs, the secure exchange of scientific and technical knowledge and data, and the organization of educational missions.
For both France and Kazakhstan, the message from Almaty is clear: the most valuable asset in the modern nuclear industry is neither the reactor nor the fuel. It is human capital.
From right to left: Nurzhan Saduyev, Deputy Director General for Science (INP); Sayabek Sakhiyev, Director General (INP); Askar Jumadildayev, Vice President (NAS RK, National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan); Timur Zhantikin, Vice President (ARKAE, Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan for Atomic Energy);Jan van der Lee, Executive Director (I2EN); and Thibaud Reysset, Project Director (I2EN).