IAEA reviews nuclear energy infrastructure development in Uzbekistan
05/06/2021 16:45
IAEA reviews nuclear energy infrastructure development in Uzbekistan
05/06/2021 16:45
Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- A group of experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has completed a 12-day trip to Uzbekistan to review the development of the infrastructure of the nuclear power program. The Comprehensive Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) was carried out at the invitation of the Government of Uzbekistan.
Uzbekistan, a Central Asian country with a population of 34.7 million and a major global supplier of uranium, views nuclear power as a low-carbon energy source to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase generating capacity. In 2017, the country signed an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Russian Federation on the construction of a two-unit NPP with pressurized water power reactors of the VVER-1200 type, which will be commissioned by 2030.
In 2019, Uzbekistan initiated a site selection process for its first nuclear power plant (NPP).
The INIR team reviewed the state of nuclear infrastructure development using Phase 2 criteria of the IAEA’s Milestones approach, which provides detailed recommendations for the three phases (review, preparation, construction) of development. The mission was hosted by the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
The INIR team said the country’s nuclear power program enjoys strong government support and demonstrates a clear commitment to reliability, security and non-proliferation. The team added that Uzbekistan has made significant progress in developing the nuclear power plant project and has taken steps to improve its regulatory framework and strengthen the regulatory body.
The team presented recommendations and proposals to assist Uzbekistan in preparing for the construction of the first nuclear power plant.
“Uzbekistan has made significant progress in developing its nuclear energy infrastructure,” said team leader Milko Kovachev, head of the IAEA’s Nuclear Infrastructure Development Section. "It is imperative that the government remains focused on further developing the necessary legal and institutional framework."
The team included one expert from Brazil and one expert from Bulgaria, as well as eight staff members of the IAEA. They reviewed the status of 19 nuclear infrastructure issues using the IAEA’s milestone assessment methodology.
Prior to the main mission, Uzbekistan submitted to the IAEA a self-assessment report and supporting documents covering all infrastructure issues.
The team highlighted areas where further action would benefit Uzbekistan, including the need to accede to international legal instruments to which it is not yet a party, such as the Convention on Nuclear Safety, the Convention on Early Notification of a Nuclear Accident, and the Vienna Convention on Civil Liability. for nuclear damage and its Protocol. The government should ensure a consistent and complete national legal framework for nuclear and nuclear security by consolidating and strengthening legislation. Uzbekistan also needs to provide adequate human and financial resources for the nuclear regulatory body. While the country has made significant progress in developing a nuclear power plant design, work remains to be completed on project-related studies, environmental assessment procedures, stakeholder engagement activities and construction management opportunities.
The team also identified best practices that would benefit other nuclear power developing countries in the areas of human resources, finance and nuclear security.
The final meeting of the mission was attended by Deputy Director General of the IAEA, Head of the Department of Nuclear Energy Mikhail Chudakov.
“Developing the infrastructure necessary for a safe and sustainable nuclear power program takes time and effort,” he said. "Uzbekistan already has significant nuclear experience through its research reactors and other nuclear research facilities, and its progress in nuclear power is commendable."
Director General of Uzatom Agency Mirzamakhmudov Jurabek said: “Our technical working groups have worked hard over the past 12 months. The results of the INIR mission will help the Republic of Uzbekistan to ensure the safe development of the national nuclear program. The results of the mission will also help us develop an action plan, which in turn will contribute to the development of the national nuclear infrastructure. By accepting the INIR mission, Uzbekistan demonstrated complete openness and interest in obtaining an objective professional assessment of the readiness of its nuclear infrastructure. The INIR mission has become a valuable tool for identifying areas and areas for improvement and ensuring the availability of the necessary infrastructure for the development of nuclear technology. ”
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