IAEA Nuclear Infrastructure Review Mission Concludes in Uzbekistan

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — A five-day mission of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has successfully concluded its work in Uzbekistan, conducted in the format of a comprehensive evaluation of the national nuclear infrastructure known as the INIR Follow-up Phase 2.

Throughout this period, a team of international experts carried out a comprehensive analysis of the current state and development prospects of the relevant infrastructure in the republic. The specialists focused their attention on key areas such as radiation and nuclear safety, the modernization and development of national electrical grids, qualified personnel training, environmental protection, nuclear security, and stakeholder involvement mechanisms.

Based on the results of the monitoring, the IAEA representatives highly praised the systematic state policy implemented by Uzbekistan. In particular, the experts positively noted the quality of ongoing technical studies, the volume of attracted investment in the modernization of the energy system, current educational programs for profile specialists, and the established effective interaction with the public.

A preliminary report on the results of the mission was officially handed over to the leadership of the Atomic Energy Agency (Uzatom). Following clearance procedures with the Uzbekistan side and the top management of the IAEA, the final version of the document will be published for open access on the official platform of the agency.

Commenting on the results of the joint work, Deputy Director of the Uzatom Agency Shahzod Alirizaev expressed gratitude to the international experts for their objectivity, constructive approach, and provided recommendations, which hold strategic importance for the successful implementation of the national nuclear energy program.

In turn, the head of the IAEA mission John Haddad specifically highlighted the high level of professional training among the employees of Uzatom and the Directorate for Nuclear Power Plant Construction. He emphasized that Uzbekistan is becoming one of the few countries in the world implementing projects for the construction of small modular reactors outside the technology-developing state, because of which the unique practical experience of the republic will be highly in demand by the global community.