BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 1. Initiatives have
commenced on the design and engineering assessments as a critical
component of the execution phase for the development of a compact
nuclear power generation facility in Uzbekistan, Director of Uzatom
Azim Akhmedkhadjaev told Trend.
“On September 10, 2024, a protocol was signed with the State
Corporation for Atomic Energy ‘Rosatom’ to begin the work.
Specifically, a shift camp and construction and installation base
will be built, and engineering surveys will begin,” he said.
According to Akhmedkhadjaev, a watchful eye on the environmental
components keeps rolling at the construction site.
“Aerometeorological monitoring, observations of surface and
groundwater characteristics, as well as monitoring of seismic
activity and modern movements of the Earth’s surface, are being
conducted. All of these works are carried out based on the
recommendations of IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency)
experts following the SEED (Site and External Events Design Review)
mission to Uzbekistan in 2022.
Moreover, preparatory work is being carried out under the
contract. The energy launch of the first reactor unit is expected
to take place 60 months after the start of the works. Each
subsequent unit will be launched at six-month intervals,” the
Uzatom director added.
To note, the ball started rolling on the small nuclear power
plant project in the summer of 2024. The inaugural construction
headquarters meeting took place at the site of the future nuclear
power plant, where the groundwork was laid for the initial tasks.
Getting these done will keep the project on the straight and
narrow, ensuring everything stays on schedule.
