IAEA concludes safety process review for Uzbekistan’s first nuclear plant

The mission was held from 16 to 20 January upon the Uzbekistan government’s request.

A team of experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has concluded the review of Uzbekistan’s safety processes to evaluate the site of its first nuclear power plant.

Following the five-day mission to Uzbekistan, Ayhan Altinyollar, Team Leader for the review and Nuclear Safety Officer in the IAEA Department of Nuclear Safety and Security, said the country carried out an  “objective and safety-oriented site characterisation process” that highlights the safety of workers, public, and environment, in line with the agency’s standards.

The country plans to construct the plant in the southeast area. Uzbekistan signed a deal with Russia to construct two VVER-1200 pressurised water reactors in 2019, IAEA said in a statement.

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In 2019, it selected the site and installed a monitoring station for the data collection on seismological, hydrological, meteorological and environmental parameters.

IAEA’s Site and External Events Design Review Service (SEED) missions include reviewing site selection, site assessment and design of structures, systems and components, taking into account site-specific external and internal hazards.

The final mission report will be handed to the Uzbekistan government within three months.