Abstract
The most vital task for any state is long-term guaranteed and reliable satisfaction of internal energy needs in the necessary amount. This task is becoming particularly valuable and critical in the modern context of Kazakhstan, since the main sources of energy generation are based at coal thermal power plants, whose share in the structure generation nowadays is over 70%. All existing thermal power plants are in a state of severely deterioration and have negative impact on the environment. The development of atomic energy in the Republic of Kazakhstan is regarded as a long-term source for producing clean energy that will allow to solve all aspects of industry diversification, ensure energy safety and independence for a long period of time and achieve carbon neutrality in the shortest possible time. Advancement of small modular reactors (SMR) is one of the fundamental directions of modern atomic energy development worldwide. This paper is devoted to overview and analysis of currently available SMR projects, along with a preliminary analysis of their conditions, perspectives, and criteria for their implementation in the Republic of Kazakhstan.