LONDON, UK: JSC National Atomic Company Kazatomprom, represented by Chief Executive Officer, Mazhit Sharipov, joined Kazakhstan’s national delegation in attending the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) 65th annual General Conference, held in Vienna from 20 September 2021 through 24 September 2021.

The cornerstone event for the global nuclear community invited presentations, debates and discussions covering all facets of the sector, from climate and environmental benefits, to advances in safety, non-proliferation and security, to developments in the peaceful uses of new and existing nuclear technologies. As part of the conference, Mr. Sharipov, along with an invited group of nuclear industry leaders and CEOs, joined IAEA Director General Grossi for the innaugural meeting of the Group of Vienna.

“The Group’s objective is to establish a platform to address current global challenges through the effective and sustainable use of nuclear technologies, by fostering innovation in the nuclear sector,” said Mr. Sharipov.

“Discussions at the event were centred on the important developments and innovations in the nuclear field, exploring how the private sector might be able to partner with the IAEA to enhance the deployment of nuclear technologies for peaceful purposes. Kazatomprom was honored to join Director General Grossi as a founding member at the launch of this important and ongoing project.”

“Today’s meeting marks a milestone that in the coming years and decades, will yield many substantive benefits,” Director General Grossi said.

“The existential threats of our times require all actors to work together in order to secure a better future for coming generations. The Group of Vienna will be a key pillar to expand these concerted efforts. Respecting our different roles and responsibilities, there is much we can accomplish together and it is a great honour to host a meeting of such a prominent group of leaders in the nuclear industry.”

Nuclear power is making a significant contribution in the shift towards clean and modern energy generation, and it can be part of the solution to reducing the impact of climate change. As a reliable and sustainable source of low-carbon energy, it has an important role to play in the increasingly urgent efforts to limit a relentless rise in temperatures causing more frequent extreme weather events.

The founding members will support the IAEA in its mission to accelerate and enhance the contribution of nuclear technologies and atomic energy to meet environmental, social, and economic goals. Representing all areas of the nuclear power sector and related nuclear fuel cycle activities, companies include Kazatomprom, China National Nuclear Corporation, Électricité de France, Eletronuclear, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Nucleoeléctrica Argentina, NuScale Power, Rolls Royce SMR, ROSATOM, SNC-Lavalin Power Group, Teollisuuden Voima Oyj, Urenco and Westinghouse Electric Company.

The Group of Vienna will meet annually, with the possibility of inviting additional stakeholders depending on the topics to be discussed.