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The progress of the construction of the nuclear power plant and the project for the city of nuclear workers were reviewed
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev familiarized himself with a presentation on the progress of work on the construction of an integrated nuclear power plant and the development of a modern satellite town in Jizzakh region.
The development of nuclear energy is of strategic importance for strengthening the country’s energy security, creating sustainable base generating capacities, and diversifying energy sources.
The integrated nuclear power plant project entered an active construction phase on June 4 of this year. By now, excavation of the reactor building pit has been fully completed, and more than 1 million cubic meters of soil have been removed. At the foundation slab site, 916 cubic meters of concrete have been laid. Earthworks have been carried out over an area of 100 hectares at the construction and assembly base.
Currently, 450 workers and specialists, as well as more than 100 units of special equipment, are involved at the construction site.
The total cost of the project is 9.5 billion dollars. During construction, it is planned to use about 3,000 types of products and equipment.
According to preliminary calculations, the share of local products in the project is 21 percent, or 1.9 billion dollars. The Head of State noted the insufficiency of this indicator.
The task has been set to raise the share of domestic products in the project to at least 30 percent, ensure that 65 percent of construction and assembly work is carried out by national enterprises, and attract 7,000 local workers and specialists.
For these purposes, it was proposed to create a 200-hectare industrial zone in Farish district specializing in the production of building materials. It is planned to place at least 100 joint ventures there and localize the production of goods in 15 areas through technology transfer.
The President of our country approved the proposal and instructed that by the end of the year a draft decision be submitted on granting tax and customs benefits to participants of the industrial zone.
It was especially emphasized that the quality and safety of construction must remain an unconditional priority, and all work must fully comply with IAEA requirements and international standards.
The presentation noted that a comprehensive IAEA evaluation mission took place on June 22-26 of this year, following which the level of development of Uzbekistan’s national nuclear infrastructure received a high assessment.
As part of the creation of the station’s external engineering infrastructure, 388 kilometers of power lines, a 110-kilovolt substation, 21 kilometers of drinking water pipelines and 120 kilometers of technical water supply pipelines, as well as 39.5 kilometers of roads and 11 kilometers of railways will be built.
The Head of State pointed out the need to ensure a 60-70 percent share of local products and services in the construction of these facilities.
In order to create decent living conditions for workers, specialists, and their family members during the construction period, the project for the nuclear town was also considered.
On an area of 200 hectares, the construction of about 10,000 apartments is planned, designed for nearly 33,000 residents, including 3,000 apartments in the first stage.
The nuclear town will include energy-efficient multi-story buildings, schools and preschool educational institutions, healthcare, sports and cultural facilities, recreation areas, and extensive green spaces. Modern thermal insulation technologies, alternative energy sources, and “smart” lighting systems will be used in construction.
To improve project management, strengthen technical control, and conduct independent expertise of technological solutions, it was proposed to create a joint venture with the participation of leading foreign engineering companies. Measures were also defined to adapt to the national system and introduce about a thousand industry standards.
The need to begin targeted training now for highly qualified operators, engineers, and radiation safety specialists who will later operate the station was emphasized.
Since 2023, 216 students have graduated from the Tashkent branch of the Russian National Research Nuclear University. Of them, 83 continue their studies in master’s and doctoral programs at leading universities in China, Hungary, France, Italy, and the Republic of Korea. Another 100 specialists are undergoing training at four higher educational institutions in the country.
Taking into account the expanded functions of the Uzatom Agency and the Nuclear Power Plant Construction Directorate, proposals were considered for the phased strengthening of their organizational and personnel potential.
The Head of State gave those responsible specific instructions to ensure high quality, safety, and adherence to the construction schedule of the nuclear plant and the nuclear town, expand the participation of domestic enterprises, and coordinate the implementation of infrastructure projects and personnel training programs.
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