Uzbekistan and US sign nuclear safety memorandum — OilPrice

Uzbekistan and the United States signed a memorandum of understanding on nuclear safety in Vienna, Austria. The agreement covers monitoring, safe operation and emergency response, OilPrice reports.

US technical assistance

The document was signed on the sidelines of the International Atomic Energy Agency General Conference in Vienna. It also provides for the possibility of US technical assistance to Uzbekistan to improve regulatory rules and specialist training programs.

Uzbekistan's Committee for Industrial, Radiation and Nuclear Safety stated that the memorandum would expand the exchange of information and experience between the regulatory bodies of the two countries. The agency noted that this would contribute to the safety of the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.

Russia in the nuclear power plant project

Uzbekistan still wants Russia, an aggressor state, and its state corporation Rosatom to build the country's first nuclear power plant. The project envisages two large reactors and two small modular reactors.

During the IAEA conference, Uzbek officials also held talks with their Russian counterparts. Following the meeting, the sides did not sign any memorandums or other agreements. The Uzbek side noted that the bilateral dialogue concerns the development of inspection methodologies and strict compliance with safety requirements during the design, construction and operation stages of the nuclear power plant.

At the beginning of September, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev announced the creation of an international consortium that will oversee construction to improve project management and strengthen technical control.