President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a decree on Tuesday to create a new state agency for atomic energy, marking a key step in Kazakhstan’s plan to build its first nuclear power plant.
The agency, which will be directly subordinate to the president, is intended to consolidate functions currently handled by the Kazakh Energy Ministry related to subsoil use, including uranium mining, the utilization of atomic energy, ensuring public safety from radiation, and the development and operation of the Semipalatinsk nuclear safety zone.
The decree, published on the presidential press service website Akorda, also announced the appointment of Almassadam Satkaliyev as the agency’s head.
Satkaliyev, who previously served as Kazakhstan’s energy minister from April 2023, is expected to steer the agency as part of a broader strategy to modernize the nation’s energy sector.
President Tokayev first introduced the initiative during an address to the National Kurultai on March 14, emphasizing that the move is not merely about meeting current energy needs but is a strategic investment in the country’s economic future.
“It is strategically important for us to create a new energy industry that will provide a solid foundation for dynamic economic development for decades to come,” Tokayev said.
He further outlined plans to eventually build not one, but three nuclear power plants to form a comprehensive nuclear cluster.
The agency’s establishment follows a national referendum held in October 2024, in which approximately 71% of Kazakh citizens voted in favor of constructing the country’s first nuclear power plant.
While the decision was hailed by supporters as a forward-looking move for energy independence and economic growth, critics have raised concerns about the project’s implications, particularly given the legacy of the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site, which was used for over 450 tests during the Soviet era and left a lasting impact on public perception.
The new agency is expected to play a pivotal role in overseeing the safe and sustainable development of nuclear energy in Kazakhstan, aligning with the country’s long-term goals for technological advancement and economic diversification under President Tokayev’s administration.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday stated his readiness to negotiate with Russia “in any format” once a ceasefire takes effect. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly proposed halting his invasion at the current front lines, according to the Financial Times.
With rising global tensions and growing risks to shipping, China is reshaping its trade strategy by constructing a new railway to Europe — one that deliberately avoids its close ally, Russia.
Kazakhstan and Russia are set to launch 27 new joint projects worth $8 billion, signalling a notable expansion in bilateral economic cooperation.
China’s Shenzhen Hasee Computer Co. is considering launching laptop manufacturing operations in Azerbaijan, following key talks with local investment authorities.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Jeddah on Tuesday for a two-day visit aimed at strengthening economic, energy, and diaspora-related ties with Saudi Arabia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday stated his readiness to negotiate with Russia “in any format” once a ceasefire takes effect. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly proposed halting his invasion at the current front lines, according to the Financial Times.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly suggested halting his invasion at current front-line positions as part of a peace initiative with U.S. President Donald Trump.
U.S. President Donald Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, is traveling to Moscow this week for renewed peace talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The White House confirmed Tuesday that Witkoff will attempt to advance negotiations aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.
With rising global tensions and growing risks to shipping, China is reshaping its trade strategy by constructing a new railway to Europe — one that deliberately avoids its close ally, Russia.
Toyota has signed a $2 billion deal to build a wholly-owned electric vehicle plant in Shanghai, as the Japanese automaker strengthens its position in China’s growing EV market during heightened US-China trade tensions.
The Holy Fire ceremony stands as one of Christianity's most enduring and mysterious rituals, drawing thousands of pilgrims to Jerusalem each year.
Pope Francis's relationship with Azerbaijan has evolved significantly over the years, characterized by diplomatic exchanges, promotion of religious tolerance, and peace advocacy in the Caucasus region.
Severe rainfall on April 17 led to flooding and landslides in the Piedmont region, prompting a large-scale emergency response from over 400 firefighters.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for April 16th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Pope Francis, the first Latin American pope and a transformative figure in the Roman Catholic Church, has passed away at the age of 88, the Vatican confirmed in a video statement on Monday.
Kazakhstan and Russia are set to launch 27 new joint projects worth $8 billion, signalling a notable expansion in bilateral economic cooperation.
Azerbaijan's Minister of Culture Adil Karimli met his Kyrgyz counterpart Mirbek Mambetaliev in Bishkek to discuss cultural collaboration, highlighting key initiatives like the Kyrgyz Culture Days in Baku and joint projects like the new school in Aghdam.
Azerbaijan and Algeria held their second round of political consultations in Algiers on Monday, led by Azerbaijan's Deputy Foreign Minister Yalchin Rafiyev and Algeria’s Secretary General of Foreign Affairs Lounes Magramane.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Jeddah on Tuesday for a two-day visit aimed at strengthening economic, energy, and diaspora-related ties with Saudi Arabia.
On April 22, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev arrived in the People's Republic of China.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday stated his readiness to negotiate with Russia “in any format” once a ceasefire takes effect. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly proposed halting his invasion at the current front lines, according to the Financial Times.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly suggested halting his invasion at current front-line positions as part of a peace initiative with U.S. President Donald Trump.
U.S. President Donald Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, is traveling to Moscow this week for renewed peace talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The White House confirmed Tuesday that Witkoff will attempt to advance negotiations aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.
With rising global tensions and growing risks to shipping, China is reshaping its trade strategy by constructing a new railway to Europe — one that deliberately avoids its close ally, Russia.
Toyota has signed a $2 billion deal to build a wholly-owned electric vehicle plant in Shanghai, as the Japanese automaker strengthens its position in China’s growing EV market during heightened US-China trade tensions.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment