On the eve of the start of construction of the first nuclear power plant in the Jizzakh region of Uzbekistan, project representatives announced the beginning of a key implementation phase, reports Podrobno.uz correspondent. Pavel Bezrukov, Vice President of Atomstroyexport JSC and director of the project for the construction of the first nuclear power plant in Uzbekistan, stated that participants are witnessing a "historic event."
"Today we are witnessing a historic event. Right now, the first concrete is being poured into the foundation of a small modular nuclear power plant, which is also an integrated nuclear power plant being built for the first time in the world," he noted. When asked about the practical advantages of an integrated NPP, he explained that it refers to a plant comprising power units of different capacities.
According to him, the integrated nuclear power plant consists of two small units of 55 megawatts each and two large power units of 1000 megawatts each, allowing a combination of the maneuverability of small units and the base-load generation of large units. "This is a unique solution that combines all the possible advantages for both small and large capacities," he emphasized.
Commenting on the reactors' operating mode, Bezrukov noted that all units operate simultaneously, and load regulation is achieved by changing the power distribution between them and balancing the power system. He also commented on the specifics of constructing the NPP in the hot climate and limited water resources of the Jizzakh region.
According to him, the project employs modern engineering solutions, including the use of dry cooling towers. "We use dry cooling towers, which require virtually no additional water, and we will not touch the republic's water resources to refresh the plant's water balance," he stated. Earlier, Azim Ahmedkhodjaev, director of the Uzatom agency, answered several questions from journalists on the day of the planned start of construction of Uzbekistan's first nuclear power plant.
Source: podrobno.uz