IAEA to Support Uzbekistan in Building Nuclear Power Plant

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will support Uzbekistan in its project to build a small nuclear power plant, according to Rafael Grossi, the head of the organisation, as reported by Sputnik.

Grossi made this statement at a conference on the use of nuclear energy held in Samarkand. He further added that the IAEA will also assist Tashkent in training specialists in the field of nuclear energy.

This summer, Uzbekistan and the Russian agency Rosatom signed a protocol for a contract to build the small nuclear power plant in the Jizzakh region. The first unit of the plant is expected to begin operations by the end of 2029.

The power plant is set to reach full capacity by 2033, according to a statement from Rosatom’s press service to Kursiv Uzbekistan.

Rafael Grossi is currently in Uzbekistan for a two-day visit. During his trip, he met with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Following the meeting, both parties agreed to adopt a roadmap for the development of peaceful nuclear energy.