Uzbekistan explains why it chose Rosatom as contractor for its first nuclear power plant
Uzbekistan is planning to build a small nuclear power plant (SNPP) in collaboration with the Russian State Atomic Energy Corporation (Rosatom). According to Azim Akhmedkhodjayev, the head of the Uzbek nuclear energy agency Uzatom, the Russian corporation was chosen due to its experience in implementing similar projects, as reported by the Interfax news agency.
«We conducted an in-depth analysis of the leading technologies in this sphere when selecting partners for the construction of the SNPP. Rosatom was chosen due to its technical leadership in this field and its extensive, time-tested experience,» the outlet cited the Uzatom official.
Akhmedkhodjayev explained that the front-end engineering design is currently in progress and that all related activities are being conducted strictly in accordance with the recommendations of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
This spring, Rosatom and Uzatom signed an agreement to construct a small nuclear power plant with six 55-MW reactors, capable of producing a total of 330 megawatts (MW), in the Jizzakh region of Uzbekistan. The project is expected to be completed before 2033.
Kazakhstan also plans to build a nuclear power plant. The government conducted a nationwide referendum to gauge public opinion on the proposal, and the majority of eligible voters (71%) said «yes.» However, it remains unclear who will construct the plant. Following recent discussions, an international consortium is expected to be established, with potential candidates including China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), Rosatom, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) and Électricité de France (EDF).
As Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Energy reported, the construction of a 2.4-gigawatt (GW) nuclear power plant will cost around $15 billion. However, Minister of National Economy Nurlan Baibazarov later indicated that the project might be implemented without state funding.
The nuclear power plant is planned to be built in the Almaty region, near Lake Balkhash.
