On 4 November, director of the Atomic Energy Agency (UzAtom) Azim Ahmedkhadjayev met with general director of China National Nuclear Corporation Overseas (CNOS), a subsidiary of China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), Wei Fuki at the Shanghai Expo, press service of UzAtom said.
Following the visit, an agreement was reached to collaborate with CNNC in the peaceful use of nuclear energy, with a detailed examination of China’s experience in nuclear power plant construction. The discussions also included exploring the applicability of Chinese small modular reactors (SMRs) in Uzbekistan and the potential for subsequent projects.
The parties also discussed cooperation in expanding uranium ore extraction and processing capacities, as well as the production and export of finished products with high added value and the subsequent use of fuel in nuclear power plants.
The Chinese side confirmed its interest in developing bilateral relations in all areas of nuclear technologies, according to UzAtom.
In mid-October, Azim Ahmedkhadjayev stated that many global companies were actively developing their own small modular reactor technologies. He cited CNNC as an example, noting that the company was completing the construction of a 100 MW small modular reactor.
“They will only commission it next year. After that, we will be able to observe the development of these small modular reactors. Similar efforts are underway in Korea, Japan and the US, but their technologies will only be available after 2030,” he remarked.
Director of Nuclear Power Plant Construction Directorate at UzAtom Otabek Amanov mentioned that foreign companies were expected to participate in the construction of a small nuclear power plant in Uzbekistan.
“The nuclear plant consists of two major components: the nuclear island and the auxiliary facility. The nuclear island, of course, will be built with our general contractor, Atomstroyexport (Rosatom). For the auxiliary facility, we want to involve international companies to make it an international project. We are currently working on the options,” Amanov stated.
The delegation from UzAtom visited China in August, where they met with Chinese companies interested in participating in the project, such as providing turbine equipment, generators and dry cooling towers (used for cooling nuclear power plant equipment without water evaporation).
