United States and Kazakhstan Launch American Small Modular Reactor Simulator Training Center in Almaty

ALMATY, Kazakhstan – Today the United States and Kazakhstan held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of a Small Modular Reactor (SMR) simulator classroom at the Institute of Nuclear Physics (INP) in Almaty.  The simulator classroom is an education and digital training tool developed by Holtec International in partnership with Curtiss–Wright and replicates the main control room environment of the Holtec SMR–300 SMR.  The U.S. Department of State funded the simulator through its Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology (FIRST) program.  Kazakh students, engineers, and future reactor operators can now train on a full working replica of an American SMR control room and gain hands–on experience with advanced American nuclear technology.

Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Security Assistance Shawna J. Wilson and U.S. Consul General in Almaty Peter J. Kaufman joined Deputy Chairman of the Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan for Atomic Energy Asset Makhambetov, Vice-Minister of Science and Higher Education Gulzat Kobenova, INP Director General Sayabek Sakhiyev, and International Science and Technology Center (ISTC) Executive Director Karina Anguelieva to cut the ribbon.

"This simulator is an investment in people," said Deputy Assistant Secretary Wilson. "A nuclear power program needs skilled operators, engineers, regulators, and security professionals who know the technology inside and out. The United States is proud to support Kazakhstan in developing its future in the field of the peaceful use of nuclear energy."

“Along with research reactors, accelerator complexes, the Kazakhstan materials testing Tokamak, and radiochemical laboratories, this simulator will serve as another key component of the nation’s scientific and technological infrastructure, expanding opportunities for the practical training of specialists,” said Deputy Chairman of the Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan for Atomic Energy Asset Makhambetov.

The simulator is a full working replica of the control room of the Holtec SMR–300 reactor. Three FIRST implementing partners built it:

• The International Science and Technology Center (ISTC), an international organization headquartered in Astana, served as prime grantee and project integrator.
• Holtec International, a U.S. SMR vendor, designed the simulator around its SMR–300 reactor.
• Curtiss–Wright, a U.S. engineering firm, developed and installed the simulator and is training INP personnel to operate it.

"As the host of ISTC's headquarters, Kazakhstan has long been at the heart of our mission to put science at the service of peace and development. As an implementing partner, ISTC is proud today to see this project successfully delivered, thanks to the hard work of all partners and the support of the United States Government through the FIRST programme. Here at the Institute of Nuclear Physics, this simulator classroom will become a regional hub for training and knowledge exchange for a new generation of specialists from Kazakhstan and Central Asia," said ISTC Executive Director Karina Anguelieva.

The United States and Kazakhstan plan for the simulator to anchor a regional center of excellence SMR training facility. The center would train nuclear energy professionals and future reactor operators from Kazakhstan and across Central Asia on advanced U.S. nuclear technologies and the highest standards of nuclear safety, security, and nonproliferation.

"Today’s ceremony marks a new chapter in our bilateral civil nuclear cooperation, and brings us one step closer to a future where U.S. SMRs can help Kazakhstan meet growing energy demands while upholding the highest standards of nuclear safety, security, and nonproliferation," Consul General Peter Kaufman said.   

Both countries welcome the safe and secure expansion of nuclear power, which delivers reliable energy, creates jobs in both countries, strengthens energy security, and drives technology innovation. The United States remains fully committed to helping states that seek civil nuclear energy, particularly small modular reactor (SMR) technology, access these benefits, which a strong nuclear nonproliferation regime makes possible.

About FIRST: The U.S. Department of State’s FIRST Program helps partner countries build responsible nuclear energy programs to meet their economic development and energy security goals under the highest standards of nuclear security, safety, and nonproliferation. Kazakhstan joined FIRST in 2022 as the program's first partner in Central Asia. The partnership builds on more than three decades of U.S.–Kazakhstan nonproliferation cooperation.

Media Contact: ISTC Communication Department obry@istc.int