Delegations from Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan met on August 21 to discuss the construction of nuclear power plants (NPP) alongside nuclear, radiation, and environmental safety. At the conclusion of the meeting, the two sides agreed to implement joint measures and develop a comprehensive roadmap, according to the Uzatom Agency.
Both nations are currently pursuing their respective inaugural nuclear power plant projects. During the session, the Uzbek delegation provided updates on design, exploration, and preparatory works, sharing its methodologies for ensuring nuclear and radiation safety, as well as environmental monitoring.
"Safety is the absolute priority of Uzbekistan's national nuclear program," said Azim Akhmadkhodjaev, Director of the Uzatom Agency. "We are systematically establishing a nuclear, radiation, and environmental safety framework in strict accordance with national legislation and international standards. An open dialogue with our neighbors, particularly Kazakhstan, strengthens mutual trust and allows us to account for regional dynamics at every stage of project implementation."
The Kazakh delegation raised inquiries regarding the technical and environmental aspects of the project, which were addressed by officials from Uzbekistan’s Ministries of Energy, Ecology, and Emergency Situations. The two parties also placed a special emphasis on professional training and workforce development for the nuclear sector.
Mansur Oshurbaev, Vice Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan, noted:
"Kazakhstan is deeply invested in the sustainable and safe development of nuclear energy across the region," said Mansur Oshurbaev, Vice Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan. "Exchanging expertise on environmental protection, maintaining transparency in our approaches, and working collaboratively serves the best interests of both nations and the broader Central Asian population. Today’s talks reaffirm the exceptionally high level of strategic partnership between our states."
During the meeting, the Uzbek delegation presented a concept for a specialized regional center designed to consolidate nuclear expertise. The facility aims to streamline educational modules and practical training for Central Asian specialists, offering simulator training in advanced laboratories and expert consultations on national nuclear infrastructure development in compliance with IAEA recommendations. It will also feature a unified academic mobility platform and a comprehensive "knowledge base" drawing from Uzbekistan’s experience in NPP construction and operation.
The center's top priorities include reinforcing a culture of nuclear and radiation safety, refining regulatory and legal frameworks, and fostering public acceptance of peaceful nuclear energy. These efforts will be supported by digital infrastructure, including the Nuclear Knowledge Platform and the Nuclear Energy Modelling Hub.
Uzbekistan has already approved a formal emergency response protocol in the event of a radiation incident at a nuclear power plant. The policy explicitly outlines procedures for declaring states of emergency, alerting emergency services, and mobilizing relief efforts.
Meanwhile, Kyrgyzstan has yet to make a definitive decision on constructing its own nuclear power plant, though it has signed a memorandum of cooperation with Russia’s state-owned nuclear corporation, Rosatom.
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