Uzbekistan is working to ensure the safety of its first nuclear power plant project with Russia in collaboration with the United States. At the recent public conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna, American and Uzbek officials signed a memorandum of understanding that includes oversight, safe operations, and incident response.
Details of the Memorandum of Understanding
This memorandum also includes provisions for U.S. technical assistance to improve regulatory guidelines and training programs. The Uzbek Industrial Safety, Radiation, and Nuclear Committee stated: "This memorandum will expand the exchange of information and experiences between the regulatory bodies of the two countries and will contribute to safety in the peaceful use of nuclear energy."
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Uzbekistan and Russia Talks
Uzbek nuclear officials also met with their Russian counterparts on the sidelines of this gathering, but no notes or agreements were reached from this meeting. A statement from Uzbekistan noted that ongoing bilateral discussions help advance legal inspection methods and the strict implementation of safety requirements at all stages of design, construction, and operation of nuclear power plants.
The memorandum of understanding between the United States and Uzbekistan provides new evidence that Uzbekistan is gradually losing its confidence in the Russian government-controlled entity, Rosatom, to fulfill its commitments to build the country's first nuclear cluster in Central Asia. This cluster includes two large reactors and two types of small modules. The construction process has faced delays that have fueled rumors about Rosatom's financial health.
In early September, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the President of Uzbekistan, announced the formation of an international consortium to oversee construction to "improve project management and strengthen technical oversight."
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