At the construction site of the small nuclear power plant in Jizzakh region, Uzbekistan, environmental monitoring of natural components is currently ongoing. This was stated by Azim Akhmedkhadjaev, Director of the Uzbekistan Agency for the Development of Nuclear Energy (Uzatom), Trend news agency reports.
"Aerometeorological monitoring** of surface and underground water characteristics, seismic activity, and modern ground movements is being carried out. All these activities follow the recommendations of IAEA experts, provided after the SEED (Site and External Events Design) mission in Uzbekistan in 2022. In addition, preparatory work is being conducted as part of the contract. The first unit of the nuclear power plant is scheduled for energy launch 60 months after the start of work, with each subsequent unit being commissioned at six-month intervals," the official stated.
Akhmedkhadjaev also noted that Uzbekistan is considering the use of domestically mined natural uranium as tolling raw material under long-term contracts for nuclear fuel supply.
"The use of local raw materials will help regulate the cost of nuclear fuel supplied to Uzbekistan's nuclear power plants in the future, thereby reducing the production cost of generated electricity," emphasized the Uzatom director.
CentralAsianLIGHT.org
January 14, 2025