Uzbekistan signs nuclear safety deal with US amid Russian project delays

Uzbekistan has entered into a nuclear safety agreement with the United States, signaling a potential shift in its approach to the development of its first nuclear power plant. The memorandum of understanding, signed on the sidelines of the International Atomic Energy Agency's general conference in Vienna, covers crucial areas such as licensing, inspections, regulations, emergency preparedness, and specialist training.

This development comes amid growing concerns and delays surrounding the project, which is slated to include two large-scale reactors and two small modular reactors, with Russia's state-controlled entity Rosatom as the planned builder. Speculation about Rosatom's financial health has fueled these delays. While official statements from Uzbekistan do not indicate a replacement of Rosatom, the move to engage the US for safety expertise suggests a diversification of international involvement.

Uzbek nuclear officials also held discussions with their Russian counterparts during the IAEA gathering, but no new agreements were announced from that meeting. In contrast, the US-Uzbek memo aims to enhance the exchange of information and experience between the regulatory authorities of both nations, contributing to the safe utilization of nuclear energy. The Uzbek Committee on Industrial, Radiation and Nuclear Safety stated that the memorandum will help improve regulatory guidelines and training programs.

Earlier in September, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev announced the establishment of an international consortium to oversee the construction of the nuclear plant, a move intended to bolster project management and technical oversight.