Uzbek deputies study Japanese nuclear energy experience

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- A delegation of Uzbekistan visited Japan on 19-23 December to familiarize with advanced Japanese experience in the field of nuclear energy.

The delegation included deputies of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan, representatives of the Agency "Uzatom" and the media.

During the visit, a meeting was held with A. Gunji, Vice-President of the Chamber of Advisers of the Japanese Parliament, who presented the role of the Chamber in regulating the development of nuclear energy. As Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis B. Alikhanov noted, Uzbekistan attaches great importance to further deepening the strategic partnership with Japan.

The parties reached an agreement on further development of parliamentary exchange and inter-parliamentary relations, including in the study of Japanese legislation and experience in the use of atomic energy for peaceful purposes, as well as the exchange of experience between the competent departments of the two countries.

Negotiations were also held with the Chairman of the Japanese Nuclear Regulatory Agency M. Yasui and the Secretary General of the Japanese Atomic Energy Agency T. Kodam.

The Agency for Atomic Energy presented a project on the training of national personnel, research activities in the field of nuclear energy development, creating their own innovative technologies in this field, which is 89% of the main activities.

In Japan, after the liquidation of the consequences of the largest earthquake in March 2011, the tsunami that followed it and the accident at the Fukushima nuclear power plant, taking into account the views of the population, the requirements for the operation of nuclear power plants are tightened. Currently, out of the previously operating 17 NPPs and 54 reactors, 40 reactors have been prepared for launch in accordance with the requirements of the IAEA.

Following the meeting, the parties expressed their intention to develop joint cooperation in the application of innovative technologies, exchange of experience and conducting scientific and practical seminars and trainings.

A meeting was held with Y.Seki, the State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, who were highly appreciated for the ongoing reforms in Uzbekistan, in particular, the liberalization of monetary policy and the simplification of licensing procedures.

From the delegation’s side, a number of proposals were submitted for consideration, including assistance to Japan in setting up an educational and information center for nuclear energy in Uzbekistan, assistance in teaching Uzbek students in Japanese universities, and creating a pilot training module in nuclear energy in Uzbekistan.

During the visit, the delegation visited a nuclear power plant in the village of Tokai, Ibaraki Prefecture.

To date, all additional measures to enhance safety in the Tokai-2 NPP have been fulfilled and permission has been obtained to launch the station. The Japanese side expressed its readiness to cooperate in the use of atomic energy for peaceful purpose.