Director of Uzbekistan's Atomic Energy Agency Azim Akhmedkhadzhayev met with Wei Fuki, General Director of China National Nuclear Corporation Overseas (CNOS, a subsidiary of China National Nuclear Corporation - CNNC), during the EXPO in Shanghai, reports Gazeta.uz, citing Uzatom’s press service.
Following the visit, an agreement was reached to collaborate with CNNC on the peaceful use of nuclear energy, to explore Chinese expertise in nuclear power plant construction, and to assess the feasibility of Chinese small modular reactors (SMRs) in Uzbekistan, as well as the implementation of future potential projects.
The parties also discussed cooperation on expanding uranium ore extraction capacity, processing, production, and export of high-value-added products, and the subsequent use of nuclear fuel in nuclear power plants.
The Chinese side confirmed its interest in developing bilateral relations in all areas of nuclear technology, according to Uzatom.
Comparisons of small modular reactor characteristics among companies from Russia, China, South Korea, and the United States.
In mid-October, Azim Akhmedkhadzhayev noted that many global companies are actively working on their own SMR technologies, citing the example of CNNC, which is nearing the completion of a 100 MW small modular reactor.
“They will commission it only next year. After that, we can monitor the development of these small modular reactors. Similar efforts are currently underway in Korea, Japan, and the U.S. However, they will only be able to offer their technologies after 2030,” he stated.
Director of the Nuclear Power Plant Construction Directorate at Uzatom, Otabek Amanov, mentioned plans to involve foreign companies in the construction of a small nuclear plant in Uzbekistan.
“A nuclear power plant comprises two major components – the nuclear island and auxiliary facilities. Naturally, we will carry out the nuclear island with our general contractor, Atomstroyexport (Rosatom). For the auxiliary facilities, we intend to combine efforts with international companies to make it a global project. We are currently exploring options,” Otabek Amanov explained.
In August, an Uzatom delegation visited China, where it held meetings with Chinese companies interested in participating in the project, including supplying turbine equipment, generators, and dry cooling towers (equipment for cooling nuclear power plant equipment without water evaporation).
CentralasianLIGHT.org
November 5, 2024