Russia to Build Central Asia’s First Integrated Nuclear Power Plant in Landlocked Uzbekistan, Project Investment Limited to $9.5 Billion
¬ Putin and Mirziyoyev Jointly Launch Construction of Uzbekistan’s First Integrated Nuclear Power Plant
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ASTANA, June 4 (Kazakhtelegram) — Azim Akhmedkhadjaev, Director General of the Uzbekistan Atomic Energy Agency (Uzatom), said recently that the construction cost of the integrated nuclear power plant project in Uzbekistan will not exceed $9.5 billion.
Akhmedkhadjaev made these remarks during a press conference held at the proposed site of the power plant in Jizzakh Region. The report was covered by a correspondent from Kazakhtelegram in Tashkent.
He explained that the total investment amount has been clearly defined in the relevant contract signed on March 24 this year. According to the agreement, the base cost of the project is set at $9.5 billion, which also represents the upper limit for project investment.
However, this amount does not include expenditures required to establish supporting enterprises aimed at localizing the production of related nuclear power plant equipment.
Akhmedkhadjaev stated that Uzbekistan will soon begin negotiations with the New Development Bank of the BRICS countries to secure funding for the project. The institution has expressed interest in participating in project financing. Additionally, Uzbek officials are currently in discussions with other countries and international financial institutions regarding related matters.
Preparatory work for the construction site is currently underway.
Earlier reports indicated that experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) are scheduled to visit Uzbekistan this year to monitor and assess progress on the nuclear power plant construction.
The Uzbek side previously stated that once completed and operational, the nuclear power plant will be able to supply electricity to three regions of the country.
In addition, the scale of investment for Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant project has drawn significant attention, with relevant departments currently evaluating and estimating construction costs.
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According to a reporter from TASS, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev jointly launched the construction of the first unit of the integrated nuclear power plant in Jizzakh Region, Uzbekistan.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the nuclear power plant construction took place on June 4 during a summit between Russian and Uzbek leaders held at the Konstantin Palace. The two presidents participated in the ceremony via video link.
Building an integrated nuclear power plant is a flagship cooperation project between Russia and Uzbekistan. Its uniqueness lies in being the first time small and large-capacity nuclear power plants are constructed simultaneously at the same site.
This integrated nuclear power plant will include two large-capacity units based on VVER-1000 reactors, as well as one unit composed of two RITM-200N reactors, each with a capacity of 55 megawatts.
According to IAEA standards, pouring the "first concrete" for the reactor building foundation marks the transition of the facility into the stage of an active nuclear power plant under construction.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1867141580447744/
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