Uzbekistan Begins Excavation for First RITM-200N Small Nuclear Reactor
Excavation has started in the Farish district of Jizzakh region for the foundation pit of the RITM-200N reactor, part of Uzbekistan’s first small-scale nuclear power plant. The project marks a new stage in the country’s peaceful nuclear energy programme.
The ceremony was attended by Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev and Uzatom head Azim Akhmedkhadzhaev, who jointly launched the works. At the initial stage, around 1.5 mln cubic metres of soil will be excavated, with the pit reaching a depth of 13 metres.
High Level of Local Participation
As with Rosatom’s other international projects, the construction will feature a high degree of localisation. Uzbek subcontractors are responsible for most of the ground and structural works.
Likhachev emphasised that the facility would have a service life of at least 60 years and confirmed that Rosatom would provide full operational support.
«We are entering many decades of productive and mutually beneficial cooperation,» he said.
Strengthening Nuclear Safety Standards
Just before the start of construction, Uzbekistan has approved new safety and reliability regulations for nuclear power plants.
The rules aim to raise the national level of nuclear safety and ensure that atomic energy is used exclusively for peaceful purposes. Compliance will be monitored by the Nuclear Safety Committee in cooperation with other state agencies.
Before the construction and operation of any nuclear facility, experts are required to conduct thorough analyses of potential accidents, their causes and consequences, and to develop measures to mitigate all possible risks.
