Uzbekistan has signed a nuclear-safety memorandum of understanding with the United States, even as it still wants Russia to build its first nuclear power plant. The deal covers monitoring, safe operations, disaster response, and US technical assistance on regulatory guidelines and training. It follows a separate meeting with Russian officials that produced no new agreements.
US and Uzbekistan sign safety memorandum
Uzbekistan wants Russia to build its first nuclear plant, but on safety, Tashkent is turning to the United States. Meeting on the sidelines of the International Atomic Energy Agency's general conference in Vienna, US and Uzbek officials signed a memorandum of understanding covering monitoring, safe operations, and disaster response.
The memo also contains provisions for US technical assistance to improve regulatory guidelines and training programs. Uzbekistan's Committee on Industrial, Radiation and Nuclear Safety said the agreement will expand the exchange of information between the two countries' regulators and contribute to safety in the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
Talks with Russia yield no new agreements
Uzbek nuclear officials also met their Russian counterparts during the IAEA gathering, but no memos or agreements resulted from that meeting. An Uzbek statement instead pointed to ongoing bilateral dialogue that allows for the advancement of inspection methods and enforcement of safety requirements across the design, construction, and operation of the plant.
Washington walked away with a signed memorandum; Moscow's talks produced only a reference to existing cooperation.
Doubts over Rosatom's role persist
The US-Uzbek memo adds to signs that Tashkent is losing faith in Russian state-controlled Rosatom's ability to deliver on its commitments. Rosatom is contracted to build Uzbekistan's first nuclear cluster, comprising two large-scale reactors and two small modular reactors, but construction has faced delays amid speculation about the company's financial health.
In early September, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev announced the formation of an international consortium to take over oversight of construction. Official statements have not said Russia or Rosatom is being replaced, but Tashkent is bringing in more outside expertise.
Source: Oilprice.com
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