Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) - On 2-7 December 2019, a delegation of Uzbekistan is in Japan to study Japanese experience in operating nuclear power plants, as well as measures taken to eliminate the consequences of the accident at the Fukushima-1 nuclear power plant.

The delegation included representatives of the Ministry of Energy, the Uzatom Agency, the State Committee for Industry, the State Committee for Ecology, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Emergencies.

During familiarization with the nuclear infrastructure and energy facilities of Japan, the Uzbek delegation visited the Toshiba Keihin Factory, which is part of the Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions Corporation (TESS), and familiarized with the production of the main technological equipment of the turbine island for thermal and nuclear power plants.

Members of the delegation also visited the Fukushima-1 nuclear power plant directly, where in 2011 an accident occurred as a result of the tsunami. Representatives of the nuclear power plant described in detail the causes of the accident and the measures taken by the responsible structures and organizations of Japan to eliminate these consequences. It was noted that the cause of the accident was not technological equipment. In Japan, all nuclear power plants withstood a severe earthquake and made a safe shutdown of all stations using the emergency protection of nuclear power plants and an emergency protection system.

In connection with the accident at the Fukushima-1 nuclear power plant in 2011, many Japanese nuclear power plants were suspended to upgrade safety systems to the new requirements and standards introduced so that, taking into account the experience gained, the nuclear power plants could withstand earthquakes and tsunamis. Since 2015, restarted nuclear power plants that meet new safety requirements.

Representatives of the delegation also visited the storage facility for spent nuclear fuel and nuclear materials, where they were personally convinced that the storage facility for spent nuclear fuel and nuclear materials does not adversely affect the environment and the surrounding area.

Representatives of Uzbekistan also visited JAPC Tsuruga NPP, where they got acquainted with the measures taken to modernize security systems in accordance with new requirements. Currently, preparations are underway for restarting the second power unit of this station, which, according to the Japanese side, is planned for the first quarter of next year. Here, the members of the Uzbek delegation also visited the emergency response training center at this nuclear power plant and got acquainted with its activities.

It should be noted that before the accident at the Fukushima nuclear power plant (March 2011), Japan had 54 operating nuclear reactors (the third place in the world after France and the USA, the first in Asia). Japan's nuclear power plants generated about 30% of the country's electricity. Currently, 9 reactors have been launched at five nuclear power plants, the rest of the reactors are in the process of modernization and restart, as stipulated by the plans of the Japanese government to develop the energy system.

The exchange of operating experience and information on all aspects is carried out, including professional training and certification of personnel.

The visit of the Uzbek delegation to Japan continues.