Kazakhstan and France strenghten cooperation in the field of renewable energy sources

The purpose of the visit was to get acquainted with advanced scientific achievements in the field of renewable energy sources and exchange of experience with French colleagues.
Vladimir Shkolnik started his visit with the meeting the Minister of Ecology, Transport and Housing of France, Nathalie Kosciusko-Morizet, in Paris. A wide range of issues related to development of alternative energy in Kazakhstan and environmental protection was discussed.
In Saclay City Vladimir Shkolnik on behalf of NAC Kazatomrpom JSC and Bernard Bigo on behalf of the French Atomic Energy and Alternative Energies Commission (le Commissariat à l'énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives (CEA) signed the Memorandum of Intention concerning realization of joint R&D programs in the area of new materials for different types of renewable energy sources.
The Memorandum reflects mutual interest of Kazakhstan and France in cooperation and deemed to be the first step towards implementation of large-scale projects. First of all, it means CEA Technology Transfer, which will allow Kazakhstan using its potential to the maximum for creation of new energy sources.
 Kazatomprom and CEA confirmed their intention to establish a joint scientific research laboratory for development of technologies related to renewable and alternative energy, i.e. solar, hydrogen energy, etc., as well as the problems with energy storage.    
The research will be directed to rare and rare earth metals, which have stable prospects for utilization either in the form of separate components, or pure materials and their compounds, in the new energy sources technologies.
 Vladimir Shkolnik and General Managing Director of the French Atomic Energy and Alternative Energies Commission discussed the opportunities to arrange training for Kazakhstan experts to be involved in the new projects in the field of renewable energy sources in Kazakhstan, namely, commissioning of the Plant for Metallurgical Silicone Purification to Solar Grade in Ust-Kamenogorsk and Solar Modules Fabrication in Astana. It is expected that the most contemporary plants in the world will be constructed in Kazakhstan in less than two years.
 
KAZATOMPROM - is a national operator of the Republic of Kazakhstan for import and export of uranium and its compounds, rare metals, nuclear fuel for nuclear power plants, special equipment, technologies and dual-use materials. The Company’s main activities include geological exploration, uranium production, output of nuclear fuel cycle products, construction of reactors and nuclear power plants, non-ferrous metallurgy and production of construction materials, power industry, science, social welfare and personnel training. At present, over 23,000 people are employed by the Company. Kazatomprom is one of the top uranium world producers.