Global Demand for Nuclear Energy and the Role of Central Asia

Despite a positive trend and increasing renewable energy capacity, the Central Asian region still heavily depends on fossil fuels. Oil, natural gas and coal still dominate regional electricity generation mix and will continue meeting increasing regional energy demand in a foreseeable future. 

 

In recent years, however, the region has emphasised the need to scale and integrate additional electricity generation technologies, including nuclear, into the current energy systems to improve the overall resiliency of the energy systems and reduce the reliance on fossil fuels. 

 

None of the five Central Asian countries currently has nuclear power plant, however, both Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan have long argued that their growing economies and the threat of climate change impacts necessitate the development of nuclear energy. As a result, local policy makers have been talking about building nuclear power plants. 

 

This event brought together highly experienced representatives from the nuclear industry and beyond to discuss the increasing global demand for nuclear power from the economic perspective.

AGENDA
Opening Remarks and Introduction  
● Baurzhan Ibrayev, Chairman of the Advisory Board, NNWI Central Asia 

Keynote Presentation  
● Gulmira Mursalova, Deputy Director of the Department of Atomic Energy and Industry at the Ministry of Energy of Kazakhstan

Panel Session: Expanding Nuclear Capacity in the Near Future  
● Gumar Sergazin, Director of the Department of Nuclear Energy and Industry, Ministry of Energy of Kazakhstan  
● Aldiyar Toktarov, Chairman of the Board, Atomic Industry Development Association

Panel Session: Economic Efficiency in a Changing Energy Market  
● Zhakyp Khairushev, Managing Director, National Chamber of Entrepreneurs of Kazakhstan "Atameken"  
● Sergey Agafonov, Chairman of Kazakhstan Association of Energy Supply Organizations

Panel Session: New Opportunities for Central Asia in Expanding Nuclear Energy  
● Dinara Ermakova, PhD in Nuclear Waste Management, UC Berkeley, Strategic Analyst at SMR Startup, USA 
● Togzhan Seifullina, Director of the Nuclear Society of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Panel Session: Macroeconomic and Educational Aspects of Nuclear Industry Operations  
● Banu Nurgazieva, President of Civil Alliance of Kazakhstan
● Mariyam Ishanova, PR Manager, Rosatom Central Asia