On August 18, a working session took place at the Uzatom Agency with a Kazakh delegation led by Zhomart Aliev, Vice Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, to discuss the next stage of cooperation in the nuclear field.
From the Uzbek side, leaders and specialists of Uzatom, the Directorate for Nuclear Power Plant Construction, the Ministry of Defence, the Ministries of Health and Emergency Situations, the Ministry of Ecology Environmental Protection and Climate Change, the Tashkent branch of NRNU MEPhI as well as O‘ZGASHKLITI and Uzliti Engineering took part.
The Kazakh side was represented by senior officials and experts from the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, the Atomic Energy Agency, the Ministries of Defence and Emergency Situations and other state bodies.
Focus on safety and seismic resilience
Talks focused on core areas of collaboration in civil nuclear energy with an emphasis on safety, seismic resilience and environmental cooperation. Both sides reviewed seismic safety considerations for potential nuclear power plant sites in each country.
Azim Akhmedkhadzhayev, Director of Uzatom, welcomed Kazakhstan’s progress on engineering and survey work for its planned nuclear power plant, noting that both countries are moving through similar stages and have many shared interests. He underscored the value of regular exchanges and knowledge sharing across sectors where nuclear technologies can bring benefits, including energy, medicine, agriculture and water treatment.
Strengthening monitoring and emergency response
The Uzbek side reported on steps taken to implement international legal instruments on nuclear and radiation safety. The Kazakh delegation offered a positive assessment of Uzbekistan’s measures in this area.
Particular attention was given to creating a joint system for radiation and environmental monitoring to strengthen cooperation and data exchange. The parties highlighted the importance of coordinated rapid response mechanisms to improve preparedness for emergency situations.
Zhomart Aliev said the purpose of the visit was to discuss practical issues and avoid repeating mistakes, stressing that the two countries are advancing in parallel and that a constructive approach based on experience sharing is essential.
Developing human capital for the nuclear sector
The delegations also underlined the need to develop human capital for the nuclear sector. They discussed exchanging expertise in training specialists and designing joint educational programmes at the Institutes of Nuclear Physics in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. Both sides expressed readiness to continue cooperation on professional development and on new technologies that enhance radiation and nuclear safety.
The meeting confirmed a shared commitment to deepen cooperation in nuclear energy, supporting the safe and sustainable development of energy projects in Central Asia.
Kursiv also reports that specialists from Uzatom are examining how a large NPP could be integrated into Uzbekistan’s energy system.
