According to Kadyrzhanov Russia is a potential partner for the HTGCR project, as it may contribute both funds and professionals. However, the aspect would be determined by the feasibility study which has to be done first.

Kadyrzhanov said It’s reasonable to connect the future of the nuclear sector only with development and introduction of high technologies. I can assure you that a certain progress has been already done in this direction. The National Nuclear Center jointly with the Japan’s partners have embarked on the project of fourth-generation nuclear reactor, a so-called High Temperature Gas Cooled Reactor (HTGCR),

Currently HTGCR prototypes exist in Japan, Germany and South Africa. Together with Japanese partners we plan to build an operating 50Mwt fourth-generation nuclear reactor, Kadyrzhanov said. JAERI has made a commitment to finance 50% of the project, while one of the Japanese banks has begun the financing.”

Today we have solved all the legislative and legal matters and now the ball is in our court. If Kazakhstan raises $5 million, we will start a joint feasibility study, in 2018 will have a demo reactor unit and in 2020 the HTGCR will supply heat to Kurchatov,” Kadyrzhanov said.

Kadyrzhanov said, Slovakia that has 50% of the national power generation coming from nuclear energy, has revealed an interest in the project too.

Japan’s national energy program until 2010 suggests building 24 HTGCR units with a variety of generating capacity which will allow transport vehicles to switch to clean burning hydrogen, Kadyrzhanov said.

As reported, by 2010 the thermonuclear test reactor known as Tokamak, will be put into operation in Kurchatov as well. Tokamak is part of an international project aimed at creation of the first industrial thermonuclear reactor. The total value of the Tokamak project is around $15 million. The project is financed by the Kazakh government and foreign investors. The partners of the project are: European Union, India, China, Russia, US, South Korea and Japan.

Presently, HTGCR prototypes exist in Japan, Germany and South Africa, said Kadyrzhanov.