Uzbekistan is poised to embark on a transformative journey in its energy sector with the imminent commencement of construction for the country's first nuclear power plant (NPP). Scheduled to start in August this year, the project marks a milestone in Uzbekistan's quest for energy diversification and security.
Daryo spoke with Otabek Omonov, Director of the NPP Construction Directorate at the UzAtom agency, and Kasim Tokhtakhunov, a faculty member at the Tashkent branch of the Moscow Institute of Engineering and Physics, to delve into the project's significance and implications.
Situated in the Forish district of the Jizzakh region, the NPP will be developed by "Atomstroyexport," a subsidiary of Russia's "Rosatom." Otabek Omonov explained the choice of the Russian company, stating that Atomstroyexport is renowned for its reliability in construction
"Let's say that when we build a house, we choose an experienced builder who does construction every day, has a lot of orders, does his work well. Everyone says why Russia was chosen? Russia is the country that builds the largest number of nuclear power plants in the world. Our chosen technology is one of the most advanced," said the expert.
Otabek Omonov emphasized the importance of diversifying Uzbekistan's energy sources.
"Currently, 80% of Uzbekistan's electricity is generated by thermal power plants that primarily use gas," Omonov explained. "The introduction of nuclear power will reduce the nation's dependency on a single energy source and enhance energy security."
The NPP promises a stable and consistent electricity supply, addressing the intermittent nature of solar and wind power. Kasim Tokhtakhunov highlighted Uzbekistan's potential as a uranium exporter, advocating for domestic energy production using nuclear technology.
"Atomic energy is the future of the whole world," Tokhtakhunov stated. "Humanity has no choice but to switch to this technology as fossil fuel resources dwindle."
The project will commence in early August, with the first block of six reactors (each with a capacity of 55 MW) expected to be operational within five years. The subsequent reactors will be completed within six months to a year each, making the entire plant fully operational in seven to eight years.
The plant, covering an area of approximately 50 hectares, will produce around 2.7-3bn kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, enough to power one-third of a province.
"The construction of the NPP is anticipated to bring significant economic benefits to the Forish district, including job creation, infrastructure development, and increased cash flow," Omonov highlighted the economic benefits
Around 5,000 people, including local and Russian builders, will be involved in the construction, and approximately 1,000 machines will be brought in for the project. The NPP will also adhere to stringent safety standards, with construction materials and processes meeting high international requirements.
Extensive engineering and environmental studies have been conducted since 2018 to ensure the suitability of the site. The research included agrometeorological, geological, and ecological assessments.
Kasim Tokhtaakhunov elaborated on the historical context of nuclear power plant (NPP) projects, noting that developed countries like the USA, France, and England led NPP development in the 1960s, constructing facilities across Europe and beyond. He highlighted that the USA has not built a new NPP in 20 years due to cost escalations, while France's experience in Finland showed project delays and cost increases from €5bn to €15bn-€18bn over 17 years. England's reliance on Chinese and Korean expertise, which is limited to single-reactor projects, underscored a lack of options beyond Russia in the global market.
Regarding public opinion on Uzbekistan's NPP, experts studied the sentiment extensively, finding that a majority of the population, particularly in Forish district during 2018-2019 media engagements, supported the project despite some lingering concerns influenced by incidents like Fukushima or Chernobyl.
Advanced monitoring systems, such as geodynamic landfills and seismometers, have been installed to track environmental parameters. The NPP will use a dry cooling system to minimize water usage, and local water sources like Tuzkon and Aydarkol lakes will not be utilized for cooling purposes.
Despite public concerns reminiscent of the Chernobyl disaster, Omonov and Tokhtakhunov assured that modern NPP designs are much safer.
"There are no environmental risks of NPP," Tokhtakhunov insisted. "Modern VVR reactors are designed to be incredibly safe, with multiple fail-safes to prevent accidents."
The cost of the NPP project remains undisclosed due to contractual confidentiality. However, it is clear that the project will attract substantial foreign investment. Once operational, the NPP will create approximately 500 jobs directly at the plant. Additionally, a comprehensive training program is in place to prepare local personnel, with plans to send over 400 Uzbeks to study and train in Russia and other countries.
In 2020, the Tashkent branch of the Moscow Institute of Engineering and Physics was established to support this initiative, and the first batch of graduates has already begun working on the NPP project.
"We have a large training program," Omonov noted. "We will send more than 400 compatriots to Russia to study under the educational program. They will improve their skills at the stations and return to work for us."
The construction of Uzbekistan's first nuclear power plant represents a pivotal step towards energy diversification and security. With rigorous safety measures, extensive research, and significant economic and educational initiatives, the project aims to propel Uzbekistan into a new era of sustainable energy production.
"Our economy needs to grow. If you are an entrepreneur, you will partner with him depending on which partner is reliable, the price of the product is good, and the quality is good," Omonov concluded.
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