Azernews.Az

By Kamila Aliyeva

Uzbekistan and Russia have reached an agreement on the construction of nuclear power plants (NPPs) in the republic.

“There is the agreement that the nuclear power plant will be created for sure. A roadmap is being developed now,” Uzbek Ambassador to Russia Bakhrom Ashrafkhanov said, noting that the project is multi-billion.

Uzbekistan and Russia began cooperation in the field of using atomic energy for peaceful purposes after signing an intergovernmental agreement on cooperation in late 2017. It came into force on April 1, 2018, RIA Novosti reported.

The creation of national infrastructure and training of personnel for the nuclear energy of Uzbekistan, the construction of nuclear power plants and research reactors in the country, as well as their support throughout the life cycle were defined as promising areas of cooperation between Russia and Uzbekistan in this direction.

The agreement also covers the exploration and development of uranium deposits in Uzbekistan, the reclamation of uranium tailings, the production of radioisotopes and their use in industry, medicine and agriculture, scientific and basic research.

The agreement envisages the creation of joint working groups for the implementation of specific projects and scientific research, as well as the exchange of experts, holding of seminars and symposia.

At present, two working groups, with one of them working on a project to build nuclear power plants in Uzbekistan and another - in the field of scientific and technological development, have been set up. Already this year, Uzbekistan has been given a quota for training students in nuclear specialties in Russia.

Earlier, Moscow also offered Uzbekistan to build a nuclear power plant with two new generation power units in the country.

During the visit to Uzbekistan, Rosatom corporation’s head Alexei Likhachev announced that Rosatom is ready to build the most modern two-block nuclear power plant in this Central Asian country.

“Our proposal is to build a station of two modern blocks of the “three plus” generation VVER-1200 here in Uzbekistan, at a time when the Uzbek side considers acceptable. We have very solid experience in the construction of such stations,” he said then.

A possible NPP project will have a huge national importance for Uzbekistan as it would allow diversifying Rosatom’s own energy complex and ensuring energy security of Uzbekistan, according to the director general.

The possible construction of nuclear power plants will create about 5,000-6,000 jobs, and 1,500-2000 jobs will be created during the operation of the station.

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Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva

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