The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is planning to visit Uzbekistan in the second half of 2026 to conduct an in-depth review of the construction process for the country's first nuclear power plant (NPP). This was announced by the press service of the agency "Uzatom". The cooperation between the parties was discussed in a meeting between "Uzatom" Director Azim Akhmedkhadjayev and IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi during the II International Summit on Nuclear Energy in Paris.

The meeting also addressed the issue of initiating first concrete pouring work at the NPP site in the Forish district of Jizzakh region. IAEA head Grossi emphasized the project's importance, noting its unique aspect – plans to integrate large and small-power reactors within a single complex. This approach marks a significant step in implementing Uzbekistan's nuclear program.

Following the meeting, the IAEA Director General confirmed readiness to continue supporting Uzbekistan's nuclear program and accepted an invitation to participate in the ceremony for the start of first concrete pouring. The parties also expressed mutual interest in increasing the number of Uzbek specialists in the IAEA secretariat, which would allow more effective integration of national experience into international projects and strengthen the country's human resource capacity in the nuclear field.

Excavation work for the NPP began in October last year, with "Uzatom" planning to obtain a construction permit in early 2026 and first concrete work scheduled for March. The project includes two high-capacity power units based on VVER-1000 generation 3+ and two power units with small RITM-200N reactors, each with a capacity of 55 MW. Completion of the entire plant's construction is planned for 2035.

Source: www.gazeta.uz