The seminar of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) was held in Uzbek capital from 4 to 6 February 2019. It became the first large-scale seminar with the participation of the IAEA mission for specialists from Uzbekistan, Uzatom Agency and Rosatom State Corporation and was devoted to the topic of choosing a site for building the first nuclear power plant in Uzbekistan.

“You should be proud of this project and work together. No country, no department builds nuclear power plants on their own. It is important to understand that this project is important for everyone. It is necessary to coordinate the work on the project and with other departments,” John Haddad, an engineer on nuclear infrastructure of the IAEA said while speaking before the participants of seminar.

Another IAEA expert, Director of the Nuclear Installations Safety Division, Greg Jankowski stated that it is very important that Uzbekistan takes such a serious approach to the issue of careful selection of a site for a future nuclear power plant. The invitation of the IAEA mission to Tashkent at this stage to increase the knowledge of Uzbek specialists is a proof of Uzbekistan seriousness.

“I was pleased to work on this project and share information regarding site selection. This work must be carried out in the most thorough way in order to get on the right path from the very beginning. This is a guarantee that work will develop steadily and safely. This seminar allowed the IAEA experts not only to share knowledge, but also to better understand your priorities. The schedule for your first NPP construction project in Uzbekistan is very ambitious, and we are trying to help you achieve your goals,” he said.

The main topic of the seminar was widely revealed in another IAEA expert, Chief Nuclear Safety Specialist, Ayhan Altinyollar’s presentation. He noted the beginning of a large joint work on the project while speaking about the results of these three days. The IAEA has the capacity to organize detailed seminars on seismology, hydrology, metrology, geotechnical and other aspects important for the construction of nuclear power plants.

During the seminar, IAEA experts presented and discussed with participants the role of nuclear safety in the nuclear power program, the IAEA’s approaches to the choice of site for nuclear power plants, documents on safety standards related to site selection and assessment for nuclear power plants and environmental aspects in this direction.