Kazakhstan eyes establishing national operator to handle radioactive waste
The Majilis of the Kazakh parliament has passed the first reading of a draft law regarding radioactive waste handling, along with associated legislative amendments, Qazinform News Agency correspondent reports.
According to Deputy Yedil Zhanbyrshin, one of the key innovations of the draft law is the creation of the institute of the National Operator for Radioactive Waste Management.
International practice confirms the effectiveness of this model. The existence of a National Operator makes it possible to ensure a unified, safe, and cost-effective system for managing radioactive waste, eliminate the fragmentation of functions, and guarantee uniform safety standards. Such structures operate successfully in many countries around the world, he noted.
Zhanbyrshin added that the main functions of the National Operator include organizing the collection, transportation, and processing of radioactive waste; designing, constructing, and operating storage and disposal facilities; processing and conditioning of waste; maintaining the state register of radioactive waste; participating in international programs and projects; as well as conducting long-term monitoring of disposal facilities.
Deputy Zhanbyrshin stressed that the National Operator will become the core entity for ensuring the country’s nuclear and radiation safety, assuming full and comprehensive responsibility for the management and final disposal of radioactive waste.
Earlier, Qazinform reported Kazakhstan adopts the 2050 Nuclear Industry Development Strategy.
