Grossi visits Uzbekistan

north_east

On September 17, talks were held between Azim Akhmedkhujaev, the Director of the Uzatom agency, and Rafael Grossi, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), in Vienna, Austria. This information was reported by the press service of Uzatom.

The meeting addressed important aspects of the development of nuclear energy in the Republic of Uzbekistan, including the reorganization of the Uzatom agency and the construction of a low-power nuclear power plant .

“Preliminary work on the project began in cooperation with the Russian state corporation Rosatom, fully adhering to IAEA recommendations. The project’s compliance with international safety standards has been confirmed through trilateral support,” the report stated.

It was also noted that, in collaboration with the IAEA, plans are underway to hold joint events dedicated to nuclear technologies, including small modular reactors.

"In preparation for future meetings and to strengthen bilateral cooperation, active preparations are being made for the visit of the IAEA Director General to the Republic of Uzbekistan. The IAEA and Uzbekistan will continue their collaboration on nuclear energy development and project implementation, strictly following international standards and best practices," the agency reported.

For reference, a contract signed on May 27, 2024, outlines the construction of a nuclear power plant with a total capacity of 330 MW (comprising six 55 MW reactors) in the Jizzakh region of Uzbekistan, based on a Russian design. JSC Atomstroexport, the engineering division of Rosatom State Corporation, is the primary contractor for the construction, with local companies also participating.

Additionally, a protocol was previously signed between the state enterprise “Nuclear Power Station Construction Directorate” under the Uzatom agency and JSC Atomstroexport (the engineering department of Rosatom State Corporation) regarding the commencement of work at the future low-power nuclear power plant site.