Under current conditions, when the negative impacts of climate change and the scarcity of traditional energy sources are becoming ever more evident, peaceful nuclear energy becomes an essential alternative solution for improving the quality of life and achieving national development strategies.
President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev made this statement in his address to the participants of the international conference “Perspective use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes in sustainable development of Organization of islamic Cooperation member states: international and national experience”, held in Samarkand on Thursday.
The message from the head of state was delivered by his press secretary Sherzod Asadov. The forum was attended by director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi.
Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted that “at the COP28 Climate Summit held last year in Dubai many national leaders reached significant agreements to triple nuclear power generation by 2050 in order to drastically reduce the negative environmental impact of hydrocarbon energy sources”.
“Ensuring reliable, safe, cost-effective and ecologically friendly energy sources for our country is one of the top priorities in the large-scale reforms carried out in New Uzbekistan,” he stressed.
A national agency was established to strengthen the regulatory and legal framework in this sector, a law on “Peaceful use of atomic energy” was adopted, a long-term Concept of Nuclear Power Development and a strategy aimed at strengthening human resources was adopted, Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted.
“Our country was one of the first in the world to begin the construction of small nuclear power plants in accordance with international requirements and standards. We consider the IAEA as our major partner in the successful implementation of these projects, as well as a number of healthcare and scientific programs,” the president emphasized.
“There is no doubt that the introduction of advanced nuclear power technologies will give a powerful impetus to the development of our country, create opportunities for new scientific and technical developments, along with transitioning to an innovative economy,” he said.
The agenda of the conference includes covers such issues as construction of nuclear power plants, ensuring their safety, environmental aspects of nuclear technology development, innovations, nuclear medicine, promotion of education and training of skilled personnel.
“Uzbekistan is always ready to cooperate closely with all foreign partners in this priority area,” the head of state said.
