WNAM REPORT: On June 22, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) started a follow-up Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) mission at the Uzatom Agency.
Azim Akhmedkhodjayev, Director of the Uzatom Agency, John Haddad, head of the IAEA international experts team, and others spoke at the event dedicated to this occasion. They highlighted that advancing nuclear energy in Uzbekistan could foster significant economic growth and enhance living standards, with international collaboration playing a crucial role in achieving these goals.
The mission is being carried out under the directive of the President of Uzbekistan and aligns with international standards and IAEA requirements. Its primary purpose is to evaluate the preparedness of the national nuclear infrastructure, review progress on the recommendations from the 2021 mission, and develop proposals to enhance the management and regulation of nuclear energy utilization.
The mission comprises international experts from IAEA member states such as Jordan, Brazil, the Dominican Republic, and Türkiye. These experts have substantial experience in conducting assessment missions in countries across Asia and Europe, including Vietnam, the Philippines, Poland, Estonia, and Kazakhstan.
INIR provides a comprehensive framework to help IAEA member states evaluate the preparedness of their national infrastructure for nuclear energy development. It addresses essential aspects needed to create a safe, dependable, and sustainable nuclear power program.
Uzbekistan has maintained a long-standing cooperation with the IAEA. The mission included the Uzatom Agency, which is responsible for implementing the nuclear energy development program, and the Committee for Industrial, Radiation, and Nuclear Safety, which serves as the independent regulator. They also reviewed the progress made in developing the country’s nuclear infrastructure since the 2021 mission.In the afternoon, discussions covered core topics including “National Position”, “Nuclear Safety”, and “Management”. The Uzbek delegation provided details on the country’s energy policy through 2035, plans to enhance the legal, regulatory, and technical frameworks for nuclear safety, the regulator’s activities, and the management systems of organizations responsible for implementing the national nuclear energy development program.The mission will carry on until June 26. Afterward, the IAEA will compile a final report with recommendations to develop Uzbekistan’s national nuclear infrastructure.
