The Director of the Atomic Energy Agency Azim Akhmedkhadjaev as part of the EXPO in Shanghai met with the Director General of China National Nuclear Corporation Overseas (CNOS, a subsidiary of China National Nuclear Corporation — CNNC) Wei Fuki Monday.

Reaching an agreement at the visit on cooperation with CNNC on the peaceful use of nuclear energy, the parties reviewed in detail the possibilities of using the China's experience in the field of nuclear plant projects, studying the applicability of Chinese small modular reactors (SMRs) in Uzbekistan, and the implementation of subsequent potential projects.

The parties also discussed cooperation in expanding uranium ore mining capacity, processing, production and export of finished products with high added value and the subsequent use of fuel at NPPs.

The Chinese officials confirmed their interest in developing bilateral relations in all areas of nuclear technology, Uzatom said.

In mid-October, Azim Akhmedkhadzhaev, reported that many global companies are actively developing their own small modular reactor technologies. As an example, he cited the Chinese company CNNC, which is completing the 100 MW small modular reactor project.

"They will complete the project next year. After that, we will be able to observe the development of these small modular reactors. Similar efforts are now being made in Korea, Japan, and the United States. But they can only offer their technologies after 2030," he said.

Director of the Nuclear Power Plant Construction Management Company at the Uzatom agency, Otabek Amanov unveiled the plans to attract foreign companies for a small-scale nuclear plant in Uzbekistan.

"The nuclear power plant consists of two large components - a nuclear island and an auxiliary facility. As a matter of fact, we will implement the nuclear island with our general contractor, Atomstroyexport (Rosatom). And we want to somehow combine the auxiliary facility so that international companies participate, so that it becomes an international project. We are currently working on options,” said Otabek Amanov.

In August, a Uzatom delegation visited China, where they met with Chinese companies that expressed a desire to participate in the project, that is, to supply turbine equipment, generators and dry cooling towers (a device for cooling NPP equipment without evaporating water).